Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great choice. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are great for small spaces such as doors, public transport, and terrain that is rocky.
Some can be converted to travel systems that take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs and may feel less stable bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add a second seat to an existing one, there are a variety of options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is positioned on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating flexibility, however it does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive, but they're made to last longer on rough terrain and could have greater resales value.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you are looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of various age groups, you'll need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and the reverse.
Take into consideration the width of your pushchair and consider the ease of you to get through doors and on public transport. If you have very narrow doors, it could be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy but can still use two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats/car seats/seats and can make an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various ages. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies, but are a worthwhile investment if you plan to keep it for many years and will have a decent amount of resale value should you sell it on after your children have grown out of it.
This feature will allow you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps or to observe. This is crucial when your child is in the back seat and wants to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.
Some brands feature a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position that is perfect for newborns. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it as well as the optional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a the option of where they want to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a larger double buggy. They're great for siblings of different age groups and let you move around without having to worry about your children touching each other. They're typically a bit longer too, with one seat sitting behind the other, and typically offering a fully-flat recline for babies (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the tiniest design that is side-by-side and a footprint comparable to one stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push, and a handbrake that is useful when tackling steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be used with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. The frame's clever design can be expanded to allow for a second seat and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots so it's an excellent choice for older siblings who want to sit in a group and share the view. It's a little longer than other models, but it's easy to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.
There are many 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that offer stability and swift steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded into one buggy if you are limited in space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus station.
It's worth bearing in mind that a large double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy So make sure you're getting what you need before you purchase. You'll need to take it off and on trains, buses and subways regularly so it needs to be easy to operate and manage. You may need to juggle the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or nursery.
From birth, you're an ideal candidate
You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies tend to be a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, but they are also easier to maneuver through narrower doors or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They're a great option for children who are of similar ages and are able to get along. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat to the rear. Your child's older isn't seated at the lowest part of the car and won't get much of an opportunity to see.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit both a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame that expands in width when you add the second seat and folds down flat to make it a compact storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our testing. Both seats can recline independently and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that peek out.
The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit 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 probably recoup a portion of the cost. It doesn't have the same selection of seating configurations that some of our other top picks however the iCandy is a great choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot.