Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a fantastic option for twins or children who are close in age. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as doors, on public transport and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or changing a single stroller into a double. The UPPAbaby V2 is spacious, gorgeous stroller. It is easily changed from a single to a double by adding the seating area with a rumble. It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is placed in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks storage under the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two children. These are more expensive, but they are designed for long trips on rough terrain and have a higher resale price.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy that can carry children of different ages, you'll need a buggy that has an recline that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
It is also important to think about the size of the pushchair, as it will impact the ease of traverse doors and public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might want to consider a side by side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller but can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally a little longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as difficult to maneuver around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a bigger range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for a long time and will retain a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it after your children have grown out of it.
Another thing to look out for is if the seat backs can recline independently from one another because this allows you to put your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is especially important when you have a younger child in the rear seat who may be inclined to lie down and sleep while the older child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that's nearly flat, which is ideal for newborns. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat included and the add-on RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a a choice of where they will sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings of different ages, and you can get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a little larger with one seat placed behind the other and offering a fully-flat recline for babies (or a more upright position for toddlers).
tandem double stroller Pushchairs And Prams is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model on the market and has an identical footprint to one buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which can be useful on hills that are steep. 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 either mono or duo mode with just one click. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who want to be seated together. It's a bit longer than other models, but it's light to steer and has soft suspension to tackle kerbs.
There are a variety 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. Often these can be folded down to size a single buggy, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or have to transport it into and out of the boot on public transport.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy, so make sure it's what you need before you buy. It will be used on buses, trains and subways often, so it should be easy to manage and use. You might also have to move it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces.
From your birth, you are a good candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have another child after your first, you're going to require a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in tighter doors and around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in front of the other, so they're often a better choice for families with two children who are close enough in age to function well together. However, they're not 100% secure Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch each other, and kids who are different heights can argue over who should sit higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat to the rear. Your child's older one will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't have much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that is able to accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It has an innovative frame that expands in width when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have encountered 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 to the iCandy is that it's expensive but a high-quality tandem will last for years and maintain its resale value, so you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. It also doesn't offer the same variety of seating configurations as the other top choices however the iCandy is a good choice for families that don't want to spend a lot.