Buying a Tandem double buggy that converts to single; link, Buggy

If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggie is a great option. They are smaller than side by side buggies and are perfect for narrow spaces like doors, public transport, and terrain that is rocky.

Many also transform into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may not be as stable when bumping up kerbs.

Convertible

There are many options for adding a second seating or converting a single stroller to a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers due to the fact that the second seat is located in front of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar option with great seating versatility but isn't equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.

Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two kids. They are more expensive however, they are designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and come with higher resale prices.

Reclining the seat independently

If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to sit back and relax while the baby sleeps in the bassinet, and the reverse.

You'll also have to think about the size of the pushchair double, as this will affect how easy it is to traverse doors and public transportation. If you have extremely narrow doors, it may be worth considering a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.

Tandem buggies tend to be longer than side by side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age groups. These buggies are more expensive than single-to-double buggies but they're well worth it if you intend to keep it for a few years. They'll also keep a good amount of value when sold once your children are old enough to use the buggie.

Another important feature to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other as this will let you put your child in the most optimal position for naps or watching. This is crucial for children who are in the back seat and wishes to rest while the more mature child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.

A few brands have an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to completely recline to an almost flat position, which is ideal for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined in multiple positions. It also comes with a UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.

Larger than twin pushchair buggies

There's no need to have twins to benefit from a bigger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of various age groups. They allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit longer too, with one seat sitting behind the other and usually providing a flat recline for newborns (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 has an identical footprint to a single buggy. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push, and a handbrake, which is useful on steep hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots. This means it makes an excellent travel system.

Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and can be utilized in a duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots so it's an excellent option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and share the view. It's slightly longer than some other models but still feels easy to steer and has soft suspension to tackle the kerbs.

There are also a variety of 3-wheeler tandems inline available Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance - which provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded down to the size of one buggie which is useful when you have trouble storing it at home or need to transport it into and out of the car when you travel on public transport.

Be aware that a double-wide buggy is more heavy and bulkier than a single compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want prior to making a purchase. It is likely to be used on trains, buses and subways often, so it should be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat on and off when taking your child to school or to nursery.

From birth, you're a suitable candidate

You'll need a stroller for your entire family whether you're expecting twins, or you have another child after having your first. Double buggies tend to be heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than single strollers. However they are much more maneuverable in tighter doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. Many are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or as a separate accessory purchase) to allow you to transport three children at the same time.

Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other. They're a good option for children who are of similar ages and are able to get along. But they're not foolproof: Siblings in side-by-side seats could kick or punch one another, and children with different heights may argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat to the rear, preventing your child's height from being sat on the bottom and not getting much of a view.

The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double stroller for twins buggy with a carrycot that is able to accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It features an intelligent frame that can be expanded in size when you add a second child seat. It also folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps easy to secure and the buckles are among the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopy is big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and windows that peek out.

The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last for many years and have a high resale price, so in the end you'll likely recover a portion of the cost. The iCandy does not have the same seating arrangements as our other top picks. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families that don't want spend lots of cash.