Buying a Tandem Double Buggy
A tandem double buggy could be a great option if you have twins, or children who are very close in age. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies, and ideal for maneuvering tight spaces such as doors, on public transport and on rocky terrain.
Some are able to be converted into travel systems that use two carrycots or child car seats. They are typically heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are a variety of options to add a second seat or converting a single stroller to double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is big, beautiful stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is placed in front of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with a wide range of seating options, but isn't equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.
Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They are generally more expensive, however they're designed to last longer on rough terrain and can have a higher resale value.
Independent seat recline
If you are looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your child's older to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and the reverse.
You'll also have to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will impact the ease of get through doors and on public transport. If your doorways are very narrow, you might be considering a side by side pushchair like the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller however can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies generally are smaller than side-byside models, and aren't as easily maneuverable around kerbs but they can accommodate a bigger range of car seat/car seat combinations, making them a good option for twins or siblings of different age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value if you sell it on when your children are out of it.
Another important feature to look for is if the seat backs can recline independently of one another as this will let you put your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is especially important when you have a young child in the rear seat, who will prefer to lay back and sleep while the older child would prefer to sit up and observe their surroundings.
Some brands have a unique design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully recline to a position that is almost flat, perfect for infants. For instance the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat included as well as the optional RumbleSeat into various positions so that your children have a the option of where they want they will sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen from afar.
Wider than twin buggies
They are great for siblings of different age groups, and they allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger too, with one seat sitting behind the other and providing a flat recline for babies (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the tiniest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint that is similar to one stroller. It also has an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of different heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots. This means it's a great travel system.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just a single click. The frame's clever design expands in width to accommodate an additional chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a great choice for older siblings that want to sit together. It's slightly longer than some other models, yet it's light to steer and comes with soft suspension that can handle kerbs.
There are also plenty of 3-wheeler inline tandems that are available Check out Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example - which offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home or need to transport it from your car to the bus.
Be aware that a double-wide buggy will be more heavy and bulkier than one compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want prior to making a purchase. You'll be taking it on and off subways, trains and buses regularly so it needs to be simple to use and manage. You might also have to move it on and off the car seat while taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it's easy to maneuver within small spaces.
From birth, you're a good candidate
Whether you're expecting twins or you have a child following your first, you're likely 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 doorways, or around obstacles like curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through a separate accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at once.
Tandem pushchairs seat one child in the front of the other, so they're usually a better option if you have two kids that are close enough in age to be able to live well together. But they're not completely safe Siblings in a side-by-side seat can kick or punch each other, and children who are different heights can argue over who sits higher. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low design that elevates the seat to the back. Your child's older will not be seated on 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 fit a newborn into a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It has an innovative frame that can be expanded in size when you add the second child seat. It also folds flat for storage that is compact. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten and the buckles are among the most comfortable we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size, UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.
The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a little on the expensive side but a high-quality tandem will last a long time and retain its resale value, which means you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't have the same variety of seating configurations that others of our top choices however, the iCandy is a great choice for families that don't want to spend a fortune.