Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great choice. They are smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal 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 car seats for children. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add a second seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a large, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers because the 2nd seat is located to the left of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model, but it lacks storage under the seat when used as a double stroller.
Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can hold two children. They tend to be more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and can have more resale value.
Reclining seat recline independently
If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to relax while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet and reverse.
You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair as this will impact how easy it is to get through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you might think about 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 generally are slightly longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easy to manoeuvre through kerbs and up and down, 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 age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a worthwhile investment if you plan to keep it for a long time 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 the most comfortable position for naps and observation. This is especially important if 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.
Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to fully recline into a position that is almost flat, ideal for infants. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the included toddler seat and the add-on RumbleSeat into multiple positions so your kids can have a choice of where they will sit, and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.
read what he said than twin buggies
They are great for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a bit longer too with one seat placed behind the other, and typically with a fully-flat recline option for newborns (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the slimmest design side-by-side on the market and a footprint like a single stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of different heights to push as well as a handbrake, which is helpful when climbing difficult terrains. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be paired with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. Its clever frame expands widthways to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a bit larger than other models, but it still feels light and has soft suspension for the kerbs.
There are also a variety of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available - check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example that offer stability and swift steering. Most of them can be folded into the size of one buggie which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or frequently need to carry it in and out of your car when you travel on public transport.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy is heavier and more bulkier than one that is compact. Be sure you know what you want before you buy. You'll have to get it off and on subways, trains and buses frequently, so it must be easy to operate and manage. You may need to juggle the car seat in and out when you take your child to school or to nursery.
Suitable from birth
If you're expecting twins, or you have a child following your first, you're going to need to find a stroller that can accommodate the entire family. Double buggies are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in tighter doorways, or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to carry three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They are a good option for children who are of similar ages and are able to get along. But they're not foolproof Side-by-side chairs can kick or punch each other, and children who are different heights can argue over who should sit higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat to the back. Your older child isn't seated at the bottom 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 double buggy that converts to accommodate a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features an innovative frame that increases in size when you add the second child seat. It folds flat for storage that is compact. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the best quality we have seen in any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size and UPF 50+ protection, and the window is peekaboo. Both seats can recline independently.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a little on the expensive side, but a quality tandem will last for a long time and maintain its resale value. So you'll probably get back some of the cost in the end. It also doesn't offer the same selection of seating configurations that the other top picks, but the iCandy is a good choice for families who don't want to spend a fortune.