Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option when you have twins or children who are very close in age. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces such as doors, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Many also transform into travel systems that include two carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may not be as stable when bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add another seat to an existing one, there's many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is big, beautiful stroller that easily converts from a single model to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double strollers due to the fact that the second seat goes behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks 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. They are more expensive however, they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and come with higher resale prices.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you want a double stroller which can accommodate children of different age groups, you'll need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to rest while the baby is in a bassinet and the reverse is true.
Think about the size of your pushchair and consider how easy it is for you to navigate through doors and on public transport. If you have extremely narrow doors, it could be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally larger than side-by-side models, making them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of car seats/car seats/seats and are an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various ages. They can also be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are worth the investment 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 after your children have grown out of it.
Another crucial thing to look for is whether the backs of the seats can recline independently from one another since this will allow you to put your child in the best position for naps or watching. This is particularly important if you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and relax while the older child would prefer to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands come with a unique seat design which allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position, which is ideal for newborns. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the included toddler seat and the additional RumbleSeat into 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
They are ideal for siblings with different ages, and you can move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a larger with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It has the slimmest design of the two-in-ones on the market and a footprint that is comparable to a single stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of different heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and it can be combined with a wide 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. Its innovative frame expands widthways to allow for a second seat and can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats so it's an excellent option for older siblings that want to sit in a group and share the view. It's a bit longer than other models, yet it's easy to steer and has soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They can be folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home or need to carry it from the car to the bus stop.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy So make sure it's what you require before you purchase. It will be used on trains, buses and subways often, so it should be easy to operate and use. double pram pushchair is possible that you will need to move the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or to nursery.
Suitable from birth
You'll need a stroller for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins, or you have another child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are also easier to maneuver in narrower entrances or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an additional accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child ahead of the other. They are a good option if your children are close in age and are able to get along. They're not completely safe. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick one another, and children of different heights can fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat at the rear, preventing your older child from being sat on the bottom and not getting much of a view.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can accommodate a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features a smart frame that expands widthways when you add the second seat, and folds to flattish storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to secure and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size, UPF 50+ protection, as well as a peekaboo window. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. However, a quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have an attractive resale value so in the end you'll probably recoup some of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating configurations as our other top selections. However, it's an ideal choice for families who don't want to spend lots of money.