Buying twin stroller
If you have twins or children very similar in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They are a bit smaller than side-by-side buggies and are ideal for tight spaces like doorways, public transport and terrain that is rocky.
Some can be converted into travel systems that can take two carrycots or car seats for children. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.
Convertible
There are many options for adding a second seating or converting a single stroller to a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is large, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is located behind the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating versatility but does not have 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 but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and could have a higher resale value.
Independent seat recline
If you require a double buggy that can transport children of various ages, you'll require a model with an recline that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to sit back and relax while the baby is in the bassinet and reverse.
Think about the size of your pushchair, as this will determine the ease of you to get through doors and on public transportation. If your doorways are very 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 fit two seats and car seat adaptors.
Tandem buggies are generally larger than side-by-side models, making them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of various ages. They are also more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are worth the investment if you intend to keep it for years and will have a decent amount of resale value if you decide to sell it off when your children have grown out of it.
This feature will allow you to place your child in an ideal position for naps or observation. This is especially important if you have a younger child in the rear seat who may prefer to lay back and take a snooze while the more mature child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.
A few brands have a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to completely recline to an almost flat position which is perfect for babies. For example, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the included toddler seat and the additional RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a a choice of where they will sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.
More spacious than twin buggies
They are ideal for siblings with different age groups, and you can move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a bit larger with one seat placed behind the other and usually offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or a more upright position for toddlers).
Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It has the slimmest design that is side-by-side, and a footprint similar to a single stroller. It comes with an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake which is helpful on steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be paired with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in duo or mono mode with just one click. The frame's clever design can be expanded widthwise to allow for a second seat and it can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats making it a great choice for older siblings who wish to sit together and enjoy the view. It's slightly larger than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for curbs.
There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems available such as Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example that offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into the size of a single buggy which is useful when you have trouble storing it at home or need to carry it in and out of the boot on public transportation.
It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will be heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy So make sure it's what you require before purchasing. You'll have to get it on and off subways, trains and buses frequently, so it must be easy to operate and manage. You may also have to move it on and off the car seat when you take your children to nursery or school so you'll need to ensure it is able to be maneuvered in tight spaces.
From your birth, you are an ideal candidate
You'll need a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are generally a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, however 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 through an additional accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at a time.
Tandem pushchairs put one child in the front of the other, so they're often a better choice for families with two children who are similar in age to function well. But they're not foolproof: Siblings in side-by-side seats could kick or punch each other, and children on different heights can squabble over who sits higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat at the back. Your older child will not be sitting at the lowest part of the car and won't have much of a look out.
The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to accommodate a newborn in a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame which increases in size when you add the second child seat. It folds flat for storage that is compact. The padded buckles, straps and seats are all of the best quality we have seen in our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopy is big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection as well as windows that can be seen from a distance.
The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's on the expensive side, but a quality tandem will last for years and will retain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the long run. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating arrangements as our other top selections. However, it's a good option for families that don't want spend lots of money.