Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great choice. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies, and ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as doors, on public transport and rocky terrain.
Many convert into travel systems to use two carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add another seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is located in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They are generally more expensive, however they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and may have greater resales value.
Reclining twin pushchair
If you want a double stroller that will accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and vice versa.
You'll also have to consider the width of the pushchair, as it will impact the ease of navigate through doors and on public transport. If you have extremely narrow doors, it may be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy however, it is able to take 2 seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are smaller than side-byside models and so aren't as easily maneuverable up and down kerbs, however they can be able to accommodate a wider range of car seat/car seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of various age groups. They can also be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a good investment if you plan to keep it for years and will have a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it after your children have grown out of it.
Another thing to look out for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently of each other since this will allow you to place your child in the most optimal position to nap or observe. This is especially important when you have a young child in the rear seat who will prefer to lay back and relax while the more mature child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
Some brands feature a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position which is perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and peekaboo windows.
Larger than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various ages and allow you to get around without worrying about your children touching each other. They are usually a little more spacious, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint like a single stroller. It also features 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 steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it's a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in duo or mono mode with just a single click. The clever frame can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who would like to be seated together. It's slightly larger than other models, but it still feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline wheels that offer stability and swift steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into the size of one buggie, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or frequently need to carry it in and out of your car when using public transport.
It's important to remember that a wide double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy So make sure it's what you require before you buy. It is likely to be utilized on buses, trains and subways often, so it should be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat in and out when taking your child to school or nursery.
From your birth, you are a good candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have another child after your first, you're going need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in narrower doors and around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to carry three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, and they're generally a better option if you have two kids that are close enough in age to function well together. However, they're not 100% secure: Siblings in side-by-side seats can kick or punch each other, and children on different heights can squabble over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat to the rear, which will prevent your older child from sitting on the bottom and not getting 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 an intelligent frame that can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It folds flat for compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps easy to secure and the buckles are among the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently, and the canopies are big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. However, a good tandem will last for many years and have an attractive resale value so in the end you'll probably recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating arrangements as our other top choices. However, it's an ideal choice for families that don't want spend much money.