Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option if you have twins, or children who are very close in age. They are smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for narrow spaces like doors, public transport, and rocky terrain.
Many also transform into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or converting a single stroller to double. The UPPAbaby V2 is spacious, gorgeous stroller. It is easily transformed from a single stroller to a dual by adding a Rumble seat. However, it's expensive and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is placed in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option but lacks storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are more expensive, but they are made to last longer on rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double buggy that is able to carry children of different ages, you'll want one that has recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax while the baby is in a bassinet and vice versa.
It is also important to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will affect the ease of traverse doors and public transport. If you have extremely narrow doorways then it might be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy, however it can use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are slightly longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't easily maneuverable up and down kerbs, but they can accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. These buggies are priced higher than single to double buggies, but they're worth it if you intend on keeping it for many years. They will also retain some value when sold once your kids have outgrown it.
This feature allows you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps and observation. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and would like to rest while the older child prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline to a position that is almost flat, ideal for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in several positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger with one seat placed behind the other, and typically offering a fully-flat recline for babies (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and has the same footprint as a single buggy. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push as well as a handbrake, which is helpful when climbing steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in duo or mono mode with just one click. The clever frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that would like to be seated together. It's a bit longer than other models, but it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that is able to handle kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. These can often be folded into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home, or need to carry it from the car to the bus station.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be more heavy and more bulkier than a single compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want before you purchase. It will be used on buses, trains, and subways frequently so it must be easy to operate and use. You may also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces.
From birth
If you're expecting twins, or have another child after your first, you're likely need to find a stroller that can accommodate the entire family. Double buggies are generally heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are also easier to maneuver in tighter doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This lets you transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other. They are a good choice if your children are of similar ages and get along well. double pram pushchair 're not 100% secure. Siblings seated side-by-side may kick or punch each other and children of different heights may fight over who sits taller. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat in the rear. Your older child will not be sitting at the lowest part of the car and won't have much of an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that is able to accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It features a smart frame that expands widthways when you add the second seat, and folds flat to make it a compact storage. The padded buckles, straps and seats are all of the highest quality we have seen in any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it is a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last for years and retain a high resale price, so at the end of the day, you'll likely recoup some of the cost. It doesn't come with the same variety of seating configurations that others of our top picks, but the iCandy is a good choice for families that don't want to spend a fortune.