Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
If you have twins or children similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They are a bit smaller than side-by-side buggies and are great for tight spaces like doors, public transport, and rough terrain.
Many also convert into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may feel less stable in bumping up kerbs.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seat or changing a single stroller into double. The UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller. It can be easily transformed from a single stroller to a double by adding a Rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is placed in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option but lacks storage under the seat when it is used as a double stroller.
Other options include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They are more expensive but they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and come with higher resale prices.
Independent recline of the seat
If you require a double buggy that is able to carry children of different ages, you'll require a model with an independent seat recline for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet and reverse.
Consider the size of your pushchair, as this will determine how easy it is for you to navigate through doors and 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 however can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally a little longer than side-by-side models, and aren't as easily maneuverable through kerbs and up and down, but they can accommodate a bigger range of seat/carrycot/car seat combinations so can be a good option for twins or siblings of different ages. They can also be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are worth the investment if you intend to keep it for years and have a good amount of resale value if you decide to sell it when your children have grown out of it.
This feature allows you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps or observation. This is especially important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat who will be inclined to lie down and take a snooze while the older child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.
A few brands have a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position that is perfect for newborns. 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 peekaboo windows.
Wider than twin buggies
There's no need to have twins in order to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups and let you get around without worrying about your children touching each other. They're typically a little longer too with one seat placed behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and features a footprint similar to a single buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push, and an adjustable handbrake, which is helpful when climbing difficult terrains. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means 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 mono or duo mode. Its clever frame can be expanded to accommodate an additional chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal choice for older siblings that want to sit together. It's slightly larger than other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for kerbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that offer stability and quick steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. These can often be folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus stop.
It's important to remember 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 purchasing. You'll need to take it off and on trains, buses and subways often, so it should be easy to use and manage. You may need to juggle the car seat when taking your child to school or to nursery.
From birth
Whether you're expecting twins or have a second child after your first, you're likely to need to find a stroller that can accommodate the whole family. Double buggies tend to be a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, but they are also more maneuverable in narrower entrances or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as an additional accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs place one child ahead of the other. They're a good option if your children are similar in age and get along well. They're not foolproof. Siblings seated side-by-side may punch or kick one another, and children of different heights may fight over who sits higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat in the rear. Your child's older will not be sitting at the lowest part of the car and won't be able to get a look out.
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 accommodate both infants and an older child. It has an intelligent frame that increases in size when you add the second child seat. It folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps easy to fasten, and the buckles some of the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size with UPF 50+ protection, as well as a peekaboo window. Both seats can recline independently.
twin stroller to the iCandy is that it's expensive but a high-quality tandem will last for years 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 picks, but the iCandy is a good option for families who don't want to spend a lot.