Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option when you have twins or children who are very close in age. They're narrower than side-by-side buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces such as doors, on public transport and on rough terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or child car seats. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
If you're looking for convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add an additional seat to an existing one, there's many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that converts easily from a single to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is positioned on top of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model however, it doesn't have storage under the seat when it's used as a double stroller.
Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. They are generally more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and could have a higher resale value.
Independent seat recline
If you are looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of various age groups, you'll require one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax while the baby is in the bassinet, and vice versa.
Think about the width of your stroller and consider how easy it is for you to get through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you may think about a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller however can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are usually smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as difficult to maneuver around kerbs however they can be able to accommodate a wider variety 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 worth the purchase if you plan to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it off when your children have grown out of it.
Another thing to look for is whether the backs of the seats can recline independently of one another as this will let you put your child in the most optimal position for naps or watching. This is essential when your child is in the back seat and wants to nap while the child in the front prefers to sit and observe the surrounding.
Some brands feature a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position, which is ideal for babies. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat included as well as the optional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a a choice of where to sit and also comes with an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen from afar.
More spacious than twin buggies
It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a wider double buggy. They're great for siblings of different age groups. They allow you to go about your day without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually with a fully-flat recline option for babies (or an upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint comparable to the footprint of a single stroller. It also features 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. It is suitable to use from birth and can be paired with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in mono or duo mode with just one click. compact double stroller expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and can be used with two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to sit together and share the view. It's slightly bigger than the other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They are often folded down to the size of one buggy which is useful if you struggle with storage at home or frequently need to lug it in and out of the boot on public transport.
Be aware that a two-wheeled buggy will be heavier and more bulkier than one that is compact. Be sure you know what you want prior to making a purchase. You'll be taking it on and off subways, buses, and trains often, so it should be simple to use and manage. You might need to manage the car seat in and out while taking your child to school or the nursery.
From birth, you are a good candidate
If you're expecting twins, or have a second child after your first, you're going to need to find a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much easier to maneuver in tighter doors and around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through an accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in front of the other, so they're generally a better option when you have two children who are similar in age to be able to live well. They're not 100% secure. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick one another and children of different heights can fight over who sits taller. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat to the rear. Your child's older one will not be sitting at the lowest part of the car and won't have much of an eye.
The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can accommodate a newborn in a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It features an innovative frame that increases in size when you add a second child seat. It can also fold flat for compact storage. The padded seats are comfortable, the straps are easy to fasten, and the buckles some of the best we've seen on any of our tests. Both seats can recline independently, and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.
The only downside of the iCandy is that it's a little expensive, but a quality tandem will last a long time and maintain its resale value. So you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the long run. It also doesn't offer the same variety of seating options as others of our top choices however the iCandy is a good option for families who don't want to spend a fortune.