Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggie is a great option. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and ideal for navigating narrow spaces like entrances, on public transportation and rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats for children. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can easily be transformed from a single stroller to a double by adding a Rumble seat. However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers due to the fact that the second seat is placed to the left of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. These are more expensive, however, they are designed to last longer on rough terrain and come with a higher resale price.
Independent seat recline
If you want a double stroller that can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to relax while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
Think about the width of your pushchair, as this will determine how easy it is for you to navigate through doors and public transport. If your doors are narrow, you may want to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller but can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically longer than side by side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various ages. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a worthwhile purchase if you plan to keep it for many years and have a good amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it off when your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in an ideal position for naps and observation. double pram and pushchair is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and take a snooze while the more mature child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is almost flat, perfect for newborns. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the included toddler seat and the additional RumbleSeat into multiple positions so that your children have a a choice of where they will sit, and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to move about without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design on the market and has an identical footprint to one buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push and a handbrake that is useful when tackling difficult hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it's a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design expands widthways to allow for a second seat and it can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats so it's an excellent option for older siblings that wish to sit together and enjoy the view. It's a bit bigger than the other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Often these can be folded down to the size of a single buggy which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or frequently need to lug it in and out of the car on public transport.
Be aware that a double wide buggy will be heavier and heavier than a single compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want before you purchase. It is likely to be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it must be easy to manage and use. You might also have to move it on and off the car seat while taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to know it is able to be maneuvered in small spaces.
From birth
You'll need a stroller for your entire family regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an additional accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They are a good option if your children are similar in age and get along well. However, they're not 100% secure: Siblings in side-by-side seats may punch or kick each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who gets to sit higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat to the back. Your older child will not be seated on the bottom of the car and won't have much of an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It features a smart frame that expands in width when you add the second seat and folds down flat to make it a compact storage. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have seen in our testing. The seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that peek out.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a little on the expensive side, but a quality tandem will last for a long time and will retain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating options as our other top choices. It's nevertheless an ideal choice for families who don't want to spend a lot of money.