Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies, and ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as entrances, on public transportation and on rocky terrain.
Some convert into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and might feel less stable when in bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or converting a single stroller to double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single stroller to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's expensive and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is placed in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating flexibility, however it lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies that have all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. They are generally more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and could have a higher resale value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you're looking for a double buggy to transport children of various age groups, then you'll require a model with an recline independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet, and vice versa.
Consider the width of your stroller and consider how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and on public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you might be considering a side by side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller, but it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are typically larger than side-by-side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of car seats/car seats/seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of different ages. 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 have a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it off when your children have grown out of it.
Another important feature to look out for is if the seat backs can recline independently of each other as this will let you put your child in the best position for naps or watching. This is important for children who are in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the child in the front prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline fully into a position that's nearly flat, which is ideal for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined to various positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
They are perfect for siblings of different ages, and you can get around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit longer too with one seat placed behind the other and usually providing a flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the tiniest design of the two-in-ones on the market, and a footprint that is similar to one stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push, and a handbrake that can be useful when you have to climb difficult terrains. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots. This means it makes an excellent travel system.
double pram pushchair is the iCandy Wave, which has an easy one-click fold and is able to be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its clever frame expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic choice for older siblings that wish to be seated together. It's slightly longer than other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler tandems inline available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance - which offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into one buggy if you are limited in space at home, or need to transport it from your car to the bus stop.
It's important to keep in mind that a large double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a smaller single buggy Make sure that it's what you require before you purchase. It is likely to be used on buses, trains and subways often, therefore it must be simple to use and manage. You may also need 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.
Suitable from birth
Whether you're expecting twins or you have a child following your first, you're likely need to find an appropriate pushchair for the whole family. Double buggies tend to be larger, heavier and more expensive than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to manoeuvre through narrower doors or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to carry three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They are a good option for children who are similar in age and are good friends. They're not 100% secure. Siblings sitting side-by-side can kick or punch each other and children with different heights can fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat to the rear, which prevents your older child from being sat on the bottom and not having the best view.
The iCandy Wave is a good option for parents who are looking for an adjustable double buggy that can be converted into a carrycot that is able to accommodate both a newborn and an older child. It features a clever frame which can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned buckles, straps and seats are all of the highest quality we have encountered in any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently, and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that peek out.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a little expensive, but a quality tandem will last a long time and will retain its resale value, which means you'll probably recoup some of the cost over the long term. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating arrangements as our other top picks. However, it's an excellent choice for families that don't want spend lots of money.