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 are a bit smaller than side by side buggies and are ideal for narrow spaces like doorways, public transport and rough terrain.

Some convert into travel systems that take 2 carrycots or car seats. They are often heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.

Convertible

If you're looking for a convertible single-to-double stroller or want to add a second seat to an existing one, there's many options to choose from. The UPPAbaby is a large, beautiful stroller. It can easily be transformed from a single stroller to a double by adding a seating area with a rumble. However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers due to the fact that the second seat goes behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model but lacks storage underneath the seat when it is used as a double stroller.

Other options include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. These are more expensive, but they are made for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and come with more expensive resales.

Reclining seat recline independently

If you are looking for a double stroller that can accommodate children of different ages, you will need one with an independent recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to relax while the baby is in a bassinet, and vice versa.

Consider the width of your pushchair, as this will determine how easy it is for you to get through doors and public transport. If you have very narrow doors, it may be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint similar to a single buggy but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.

Tandem buggies are generally larger than side-by-side models, and therefore are 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 are the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age. They are priced higher than single buggies to double travel buggy but they're well worth it if you intend to keep it for a number of years. They will also retain some value if you decide to sell it when your children have outgrown the buggie.

This feature will allow you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps or observation. This is especially important if you have a child younger than in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down and take a snooze while the more mature child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.

Some brands feature a unique seat design which allows the back seat to completely recline into a nearly flat position which is perfect for newborns. The iCandy Orange, for example, has stadium-style seating that can be reclined into several positions. It also comes with UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out.

Larger than twin buggies

They are perfect for siblings with different ages, and you can get around without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a larger, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.

A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design available and has the same footprint as one 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 for use from birth, and can be paired with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.

Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and can be used in mono or duo mode. The frame's clever design expands widthways to allow for a second seat and it can be used with two car seats or carrycots which makes it an ideal option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and enjoy the view. It's slightly longer than some other models but still feels easy to steer and has soft suspension that is able to handle the kerbs.

There are a lot of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance they provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home, or need to transport it from the car to the bus.

Be aware that a double wide buggy is more heavy and heavier than one compact buggy. Be sure to know what you want before you buy. You'll have to get it on and off trains, buses and subways regularly so it needs to be easy to operate and manage. You may also need to juggle it onto and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it's easy to maneuver in small spaces.

From your birth, you are an ideal candidate

There will be a need for a pushchair for the whole family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much easier to maneuver in tighter doors or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or via an additional accessory purchase) which means you can carry three children at the same time.

Tandem pushchairs put one child in front the other. They're a great option if your children are close in age and are able to get along. They're not foolproof. Siblings sitting side-by-side can punch or kick each other, and children of different heights could argue over who sits taller. This issue can be resolved by a tandem high-low model that raises the seat at the rear. Your child's older one will not be seated on the bottom of the car and won't have much of a look out.

The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to fit both a newborn in a carrycot as well as an older child in the main seat. It features a smart frame that expands widthways when you add the second seat and folds down flat for compact storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the highest quality we have seen in our tests. Both seats can recline independently and the canopies are large and generous with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.

The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's expensive but a high-quality tandem will last for a long time and retain its resale value, so you'll likely recoup some of the cost over the long term. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating options as our other top choices. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families who don't wish to spend a lot of money.