Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a fantastic option. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as entrances, on public transportation and rocky terrain.
Many also transform into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
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 many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to a double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is placed in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. These are more expensive, but they are designed for long trips on rough terrain and have more expensive resales.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy that is able to carry children of different 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 rest while the baby is in the bassinet and vice versa.
Consider the width of your pushchair, as this will determine the ease of you to navigate through doors and on public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you may want to consider 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, making them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can be able to accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make a great option for twins and siblings of various ages. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a good investment if you intend to keep it for a long time and will retain a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it off when your children have grown out of it.
This feature will allow you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is particularly important if you have a young child in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and relax while the older child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.
A few brands have an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to fully recline into a nearly flat position, which is ideal for infants. For side by side double stroller has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat included and the add-on RumbleSeat into 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 that has peekaboo windows.
More spacious than twin buggies
You don't need to have twins to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're great for siblings of different age groups and let you move around without worrying about your children touching each other. They're usually a bit larger with one seat positioned behind the other and offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It has the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint that is comparable to one stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as a handbrake, which is useful when tackling steep hills. twin pushchairs is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it is a great travel system.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be used in duo or mono mode. Its innovative frame expands widthways to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with two carrycots or car seats 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, yet it's light to steer and has soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems available - check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance - which provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded down to size one buggie which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of the boot on public transport.
It's important to remember that a wide double buggy will feel bulkier and heavier than a single buggy that is smaller So make sure it's what you require before you purchase. It will be used on trains, buses and subways often, so it must be easy to use and manage. You might also have to juggle it on and off the car seat while taking your children to nursery or school so you'll need to know it's easy to maneuver in small spaces.
From birth, you are a good candidate
There will be a need for a pushchair for your entire family regardless of whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies are generally heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are easier to maneuver in tighter doorways and around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as a separate accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, and they're often a better choice when you have two children who are close enough in age to be able to live well together. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could punch or kick each other, and children of different heights could argue over who is sitting higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this issue by elevating the seat at the rear, preventing your child's height from being sat on the bottom and not having 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 can fit both the newborn and the older child. It features a clever frame that expands in width when you add the second seat and folds down to flattish storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps easy to fasten, and the buckles are among the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies are large in size with UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's quite expensive. However, a quality tandem will last for years and retain the highest resale value, so in the end you'll probably recoup some of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating options as our other top choices. However, it's an ideal choice for families who don't want to spend much money.