Buying a Tandem Double Buggy

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

Many also convert into travel systems to use two carrycots or car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs and Prams and might feel less stable when as they bump up the kerbs.

Convertible

Whether you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double or to add another seat to an existing one, there's a variety of options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's expensive and less maneuverable than other dual strollers since the second seat goes in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow provides a similar choice however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when it is used as a double stroller.

Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggy from birth buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive but they're designed to last longer on rough terrain, and may have greater resales value.

Independent seat recline

If you need a double buggy that is able to carry children of different ages, you'll need a buggy that has an recline independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet, and the reverse.

It is also important to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will affect the ease of traverse doors and public transportation. If your doors are narrow, you might think about a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller but it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.

Tandem buggies tend to be larger than side-by-side models, which makes them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make an excellent choice for twins and siblings of various age. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a good investment if you intend to keep it for many 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 put your child in an ideal position for naps and observation. This is particularly important if you have a younger child in the rear seat who may be inclined to lie down and take a snooze while the older child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.

Certain brands have a unique design that allows the back of their vehicles to recline into a position that is nearly flat, which is ideal for babies. The iCandy Orange, for example is a stadium-style seat that can be reclined into various positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.

Larger than twin buggies

They are perfect for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a bit longer with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.

Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It is the tiniest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint that is similar to the footprint of a single stroller. It features an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake which is useful on steep hills. It is suitable for use right from birth, and it can be combined with a range of car seats and carrycots.

The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in duo or mono mode with just a single click. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to be seated together. It's slightly longer than other models, but it isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for the kerbs.

There are a variety of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that offer stability and quick steering. Take a look at Phil and Teds inline models as well as iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Most of them can be folded into the size of one buggie which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of the car when you travel on public transport.

It's important to keep in mind that a large double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy, so make sure you're getting what you need before you purchase. You'll have to get it off and on subways, buses, and trains frequently, so it must be easy to operate and manage. You may also need to juggle it onto and off the car seat while taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.

From birth

You'll need a pushchair for your entire family whether you're expecting twins or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies tend to be larger, heavier and cost more than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to manoeuvre through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at the same time.

Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, so they're usually a better option when you have two children who are similar in age to get along well. But they're not foolproof Siblings in a side-by-side seat may punch or kick one another, and children with different heights may argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this issue by elevating the seat towards the rear, preventing your child's older one from being on the bottom and not having any view.

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 features a smart frame that expands widthways when you add a second seat and folds down flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned straps, buckles, and seats are all of the best quality we have encountered in our testing. You can recline both seats independently and the canopy is large and generous 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 a bit on the expensive side however, a good tandem will last a long time and maintain its resale value, which means you'll likely recoup some of the cost in the end. It doesn't come with the same range of seating options as some of our other top choices, but the iCandy is a good choice for families that don't want to spend a lot.