Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as doors, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Many also convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options to add a second seat or making a single stroller a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a large, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single model to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). However, twin pushchairs and less mobile than other double strollers due to the fact that the second seat goes to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating flexibility, however it lacks under-seat storage when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies, as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are more expensive, but they are designed for long trips on rough terrain, and come with higher resale prices.
Reclining the seat independently
If you require a double buggy that is able to carry children of different ages then you're going to require a model with an recline that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to sit back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet, and vice versa.
Take into consideration the width of your pushchair and consider how easy it is for you to get through doors and public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might be considering a side by side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller, but it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually smaller than side-byside models and so aren't as difficult to maneuver around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a wider range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of various ages. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a worthwhile investment if you intend to keep it for many years and have a good amount of resale value should you sell it on when your children are out of it.
Another crucial thing to look for is whether the seat backs can recline independently of each other as this will let you place your child in the most optimal position for naps or watching. This is particularly important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat who will prefer to lay back and sleep while the older child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
A few brands have a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position that is perfect for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined to several positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.
Wider than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're perfect for siblings of various ages and allow you to go about your day without worrying about your children touching each other. They are usually a little larger with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined completely for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.
pushchair twin is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design on the market and has the same footprint as one buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake that is helpful on steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots. This means it's a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It folds in either mono or duo mode with just one click. The frame's clever design can be expanded to accommodate the second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to sit together. It's a bit longer than other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that can handle the kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded down to size one buggy, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or need to lug it in and out of your car when you travel on public transportation.
Be aware that a double wide buggy will be heavier and heavier than one that is compact. Make sure you know what you want prior to making a buy. It will be used on buses, trains and subways often, so it should be easy to use and manage. You might need to manage the car seat when taking your child to school or to nursery.
From birth
If you're expecting twins, or have a second child after your first, you're likely to require a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies are generally 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 can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to carry three children simultaneously.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They are a good choice if your children are close in age and get along well. But they're not foolproof Siblings in a side-by-side seat can kick or punch each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who sits higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat to the rear. Your child's older isn't seated at the bottom of the car and won't get much of an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit a newborn into a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It features a smart frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat, and folds flat to make it a compact storage. The seats are cushioned and comfortable, the straps are simple to secure and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side however, a good tandem will last for a long time and will retain its resale value. So you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't come with the same selection of seating configurations as others of our top choices, but the iCandy is a great choice for families that don't want to spend a fortune.