Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies, and are ideal for narrow spaces like doorways, public transport and rocky terrain.
Some transform into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when in bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add a second seat to an existing one, there's many options to choose from. The UPPAbaby V2 is a large, beautiful stroller. It can be easily changed from a single to a double by adding a rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is located on top of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model but lacks storage underneath the seat when it is 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. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and may have a higher resale value.
Reclining the seat independently
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This will allow your child's older to sit back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and reverse.
It is also important to think about the size of the stroller as this will affect how easy it is to get through doors and on public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you may be considering a side by side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller however can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs, however, they can accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different ages. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are worth the investment if you intend to keep it for years and have a good amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it off after your children have grown out of it.
Another crucial thing to look out for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently of each other as this will let you place your child in the most optimal position for napping or observation. 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 more mature child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, perfect for newborns. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the included toddler seat and the additional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a the option of where they want to sit, and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different ages and allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're typically a little larger with one seat positioned behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the tiniest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint like a single stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push as well as a handbrake that is helpful when climbing steep hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it is a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in duo or mono mode with just a single click. The frame's clever design expands widthways to allow for a second seat and can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and enjoy the view. It's slightly bigger than the other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded down to size one buggy which is useful when you have trouble storing it at home or need to carry it in and out of the car when using public transportation.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy will be more heavy and heavier than one that is compact. Be sure you know what you want before you purchase. It will be used on buses, trains and subways often, so it should be easy to operate and use. You might need to manage the car seat while taking your child to school or the nursery.
The best time to start is when you are born.
If you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're going need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are typically slightly heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, but they can also be more maneuverable in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as a separate accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, and they're generally a better option if you have two kids that are close enough in age to function well together. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick each other, and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat to the rear, preventing your child's older one from being on the bottom and not getting the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat for compact storage. double pram pushchair , straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our tests. The canopies are large in size and UPF 50+ protection, as well as a peekaboo window. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's quite expensive. However, double pram pushchair will last for a long time and will have a high resale price, so in the end, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating configurations as our other top picks. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families who don't want to spend much money.