Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as doors, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or child car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add another seat to an existing one, there's several options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a big, beautiful stroller that easily converts from a single to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers since the second seat is placed in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating flexibility, however it isn't equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can hold two kids. These tend to be more expensive, however they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and could have greater resales value.
Independent seat recline
If you want a double stroller which can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in a bassinet, and the reverse is true.
Consider the width of your pushchair to determine how easy it is for you to maneuver through doors and public transportation. If you have extremely narrow doors, it could be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint similar to a single buggy, however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly longer than side-by-side models and therefore aren't difficult to maneuver around kerbs however, they can accommodate a bigger range of car/car/seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various age. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for many years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it when your children have grown out of it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in an ideal position for naps or observation. double pram pushchair is crucial if your child is in the back seat and wants to rest while the older child prefers to sit and observe the surroundings.
Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to recline into a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined into multiple positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various ages and allow you to go about your day without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a little larger too with one seat placed behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for newborns (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has an identical footprint to a single buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which is helpful when climbing difficult hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, which means it makes an excellent travel system.
Another option is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be used in duo or mono mode. Its innovative frame can be expanded to allow for a second seat and it can be used with two carrycots or car seats so it's an excellent option for older siblings that want to sit together and share the view. It's slightly longer than some other models, but it's easy to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance they offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded down to size one buggie, which is helpful when you have trouble storing it at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of the boot when you travel on public transport.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be heavier and heavier than one compact buggy. Be sure you know what you want before you buy. You'll be taking it on and off subways, trains and buses regularly so it needs to be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat while taking your child to school or nursery.
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 tend to be larger, heavier and cost more than single strollers, however they can also be more maneuverable in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through a separate accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs place one child in the front of the other, so they're often a better choice for families with two children who are similar in age to function well together. They're not completely safe. Siblings seated side-by-side may punch or kick one another, and children of different heights may fight over who sits taller. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat in the rear. Your older child will not be sitting at the bottom of the car and won't get much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that can fit both the newborn and the older child. It features a clever frame which expands in width when you add the second child seat. It folds flat for storage that is compact. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten and the buckles some of the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size and UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive, but a quality tandem will last a long time and maintain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost over the long term. The iCandy does not have the same seating arrangements as our other top picks. However, it's an excellent choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot of money.