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 ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as doorways, on public transport and rocky terrain.
Some can be converted to travel systems that can take two carrycots or child car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are a variety of options for adding a second seating or making a single stroller a double. The UPPAbaby V2 is a large, beautiful stroller. It can be easily transformed from a single stroller to a dual by adding a seating area with a rumble. It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is positioned behind the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. These tend to be more expensive but they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and could have a higher resale value.
Independent recline of the seat
If you require a double buggy that can transport children of various ages then you're going to need a buggy that has an recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to sit back and relax while the baby is in the bassinet and reverse.
You'll also need to consider the width of the stroller as it will impact how easy it is to navigate through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you might want to consider a side by side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are slightly longer than side-by-side models and so aren't as difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs, however they can be able to accommodate a wider variety of car seat/car seat combinations, so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different age. They can also be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are worth the investment if you intend to keep it for years and have a good amount of resale value should you decide to sell it off when your children are out of it.
This feature allows you to put your child in a comfortable position for naps or to observe. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
Some brands feature a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position that is perfect for babies. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat included and the add-on RumbleSeat into multiple positions to give your kids a the option of deciding where they will sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins in order to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various ages and allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a larger, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for newborns or in an upright position for toddlers.
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and has an identical footprint to a single buggy. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of different heights to push, and a handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult terrains. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be paired with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded widthwise to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with two carrycots or car seats so it's an excellent option for older siblings that wish to sit together and share the view. It's a bit larger than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded down to the size of a single buggy, which is helpful for those who struggle with storage at home or frequently need to lug it in and out of the car when using public transportation.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy is more heavy and more bulkier than one that is compact. Make sure you know what you want before you purchase. You'll have to get it on and off subways, buses, and trains frequently, so it must be simple to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat on and off when taking your child to school or to nursery.
From birth, you are an ideal candidate
You'll need a stroller for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in narrower doorways, or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an additional accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at the same time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other. They are a good option if your children are close in age and are good friends. But they're not foolproof: Siblings in side-by-side seats may punch or kick each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who should sit higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat to the rear, which prevents your child's height from being on the bottom and not getting much of a 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 can fit both infants and an older child. It has an innovative frame that increases in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat for storage that is compact. most compact double stroller padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our tests. The seats can be reclined independently, and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection as well as peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. However, a quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have an attractive resale value so in the end you'll likely recover some of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top selections. It's nevertheless an ideal choice for families who don't want to spend a lot of money.