Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great option. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces such as entrances, on public transportation and on rough terrain.
Many convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may not be as stable when as they bump up the kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add another seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The UPPAbaby V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. double pram and pushchair can be easily transformed from a single stroller to a dual by adding the seating area with a rumble. However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers since the second seat is located in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with a wide range of seating options, but lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. These tend to be more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain, and may have a higher resale value.
Independent seat recline
If you need a double buggy that is able to transport children of various ages then you're going to want one that has recline independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax while the baby is in a bassinet and reverse.
Take into consideration the width of your stroller and consider the ease of you to maneuver through doors and public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you may 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 tend to be longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of various ages. They are also more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are worth the purchase if you plan to keep it for many years and will retain a decent amount of resale value should you sell it on when 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 as this will let you place your child in the most optimal position for napping or observation. This is crucial for children who are in the back seat and would like to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit up to observe the surrounding.
A few brands have an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position which is perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in various positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.
Larger than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy. They're perfect 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 bit larger too with one seat placed behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and has a footprint similar to a single buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push, and a handbrake that is helpful when climbing difficult hills. It is suitable for use from birth, and it can be combined with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just a single click. The frame's clever design can be expanded to accommodate an additional chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great option for older siblings who want to be seated together. It's a bit bigger than the other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for curbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler tandems inline available such as Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example - which offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into one buggy if you have limited space at home or need to transport it from the car to the bus.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be more heavy and bulkier than one compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want before you purchase. You'll be taking it on and off subways, buses, and trains regularly so it needs to be easy to use and manage. You may also need to juggle it onto and off the car seat when taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
From your birth, you are a good candidate
If you're expecting twins or have a second child after your first, you're going need to find a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are also more maneuverable in tighter doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via a separate accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, so they're often a better choice for families with two children that are close enough in age to be able to live well together. However, they're not 100% secure Side-by-side chairs can kick or punch each other, and children with different heights may argue over who sits higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat to the back. Your child's older will not be sitting at the lower part of the car, and won't have much of an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It has an intelligent frame that can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps easy to secure and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a bit expensive however, a good tandem will last for years and retain its resale value, which means you'll likely recoup some of the cost over the long term. It doesn't have the same variety of seating configurations that some of our other top choices however the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't want to spend a fortune.