Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy can be a great option for twins or children who are close in age. They are a bit smaller than side by side buggies and are perfect for tight spaces like doors, public transport, and rocky terrain.
Some convert into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. 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 another seat to an existing one, there are many options to choose from. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is placed on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with a wide range of seating options, but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two children. These tend to be more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain, and may have a higher resale value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you want a double stroller which can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This will allow your child's older to relax in the back while the baby is in the bassinet and vice versa.
Consider the width of your pushchair to determine the ease of 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 that is similar to a single stroller, but can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually slightly longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre through kerbs and up and down, however they can be able to accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various ages. They are also more expensive than single buggies to double but they're well worth it if you plan to keep it for a few years. They also hold some value if you decide to sell it when your kids have outgrown the buggie.
Another important feature to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently from one another because this allows you to place your child in the ideal position for naps or watching. This is crucial for children who are in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.
Certain brands come with a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline into a nearly flat position that is perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined to multiple positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings of different ages, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually with a fully-flat recline option for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and features an identical footprint to a single buggy. It comes with 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 from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it makes an excellent travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second seat and it can be used with two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings who wish to sit together and enjoy the view. It's slightly longer than other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home or you need to carry it from the car to the bus.
It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel bulkier and heavier than a compact single buggy, so make sure it's what you need before you purchase. double pram and pushchair 'll need to take it on and off subways, buses, and trains often, so it should be easy to operate and manage. You may also need to juggle it on and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to be aware it is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.
The best time to start is when you are born.
Whether you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're likely need to find an appropriate pushchair for the entire family. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also easier to maneuver in tighter doorways and around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This lets you transport three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in the 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 can kick or punch each other, and children who are different heights can argue over who sits higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat in the rear. Your older child will not be seated on the bottom of the car and won't get much of an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to accommodate a newborn in a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It features an innovative frame that expands in width when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have seen in any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side however, a good tandem will last a long time and retain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost over the long term. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating options as our other top selections. However, it's a good option for families that don't want spend much cash.