Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a fantastic option if you have twins, or children who are close in age. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies and are great for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Some can be converted to travel systems that take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may feel less stable bumping up the kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add another seat to an existing one, there's a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a large, beautiful stroller. It can easily be transformed from a single stroller to a double by adding a Rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is placed in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating versatility but isn't equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. double pram pushchair are more expensive, but they are designed for long trips on rough terrain, and come with higher resale prices.
Independent seat recline
If you need a double buggy that is able to transport children of various age groups, then you'll want one that has recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and vice versa.
You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair as this will affect the ease of navigate through doors and on public transportation. 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 that is similar to a single stroller however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as difficult to maneuver around kerbs however, they can accommodate a wider range of car/car/seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of different age. These buggies are more expensive than single buggies to double, but they're worth it if you plan on keeping it for many years. They will also retain an impressive amount of value if sold when your kids have outgrown it.
This feature allows you to place your child in an ideal position for naps or observation. This is especially important if you have a young child in the rear seat who may be inclined to lie down and take a snooze while the older child would prefer to sit and observe their surroundings.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that's almost flat, perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined into multiple positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're great for siblings of different age groups and let you move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a bit longer too with one seat placed behind the other and offering a fully-flat recline for babies (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It has the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint like a single stroller. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake which is helpful on steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots. This means it's a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and is able to be used in duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate an additional chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great choice for older siblings that want to be seated together. It's a little larger than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for the kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance they provide stability and quick steering. Most of them can be folded into the size of one buggie, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of your car when using public transportation.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a single compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want before you buy. It will be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently therefore it must be simple to use and manage. You might need to manage the car seat on and off while taking your child to school or to nursery.
From birth, you are an ideal candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have a second child after your first, you're likely to need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much more maneuverable in tighter doors and around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an additional accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in the front of the other, so they're generally a better option when you have two children that are close enough in age to be able to live well. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick each other, and children of different heights could argue over who sits taller. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which will prevent your older child from being on the bottom and not getting the best view.
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 an intelligent frame that increases in size when you add the second child seat. It folds flat for storage that is compact. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to secure and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies are large in size with UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats are reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit expensive. However, a quality tandem will last for a long time and will have the highest resale value, so at the end of the day you'll probably recoup some of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top choices. It's nevertheless an ideal choice for families that don't want spend lots of money.