Buying a Tandem Double Buggy

A tandem double buggy (company website) could be a great option if you have twins, or children who are very close in age. They are narrower than side by side buggies and are great for narrow spaces like doors, public transport, and rocky terrain.

Some convert into travel systems to use two 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 a variety of options for adding a second seating or converting a single stroller to a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is spacious, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to a lightweight double pushchair by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It's costly and less mobile than other double strollers due to the fact that the second seat goes in front of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option, but it lacks storage under the seat when it is used as a double to single buggy stroller.

Other options include twin buggy from birth buggies with all-terrain wheels, and joggers with fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. They tend to be more expensive but they're designed for long trips over rough terrain and can have more resale value.

Reclining seat recline independently

If you're looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of different age groups, you'll require one with an independent recliner for both seats. This allows your older child to rest while the baby is in a bassinet, and vice versa.

You'll also have to think about the size of the stroller as it will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and public transportation. If your doorways are very 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 however can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.

Tandem buggies are typically larger than side-by-side models, and therefore are more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and can make an excellent choice for twins and siblings of different age groups. These buggies are priced higher than single buggies to double, but they're worth it if you intend to keep it for a few years. They'll also keep a good amount of value if sold when your kids have outgrown it.

This feature allows you to put your child in an ideal position for naps or observation. This is particularly important if you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down and relax while the more mature child wants 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, ideal for newborns. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating that can recline both the toddler seat that comes with it and the add-on RumbleSeat to multiple positions, so that your children have a a choice of where to sit and stand double stroller, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen from afar.

Larger than twin buggies

It's not necessary to have twins in order to benefit from a larger double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different age groups and let you go about your day without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a more spacious with one seat in front of the other. The seats can be reclined fully for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.

Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular choice. It is the slimmest design side-by-side on the market and a footprint that is comparable to a single stroller. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of different heights to push and a handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, which means it's a great travel system.

Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and can be used in duo or mono mode. The frame's clever design expands widthways to allow for a second seat and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots making it a great option for older siblings who want to sit in a group and share the view. It's a little bigger than the other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for the kerbs.

There are also plenty of 3-wheeler tandems inline available Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for example that provide stability and swift steering. They are often folded into a single buggy in case you have a small space at home or you 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 that is compact. Be sure you know what you want prior to making a purchase. It is likely to be used on trains, buses and subways frequently, so it should be easy to use and manage. You may also have to juggle it on and off the car seat when you take your children to school or nursery so you'll need to ensure it is able to be maneuvered within small spaces.

From birth

If you're expecting twins or you have a child following your first, you're likely to require a pushchair that fits the entire family. Double buggies are typically heavier and bulkier as well as more expensive than single strollers. However, they are easier to maneuver in tighter doorways, or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies work with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to transport three children at the same time.

Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They are a good choice if your children are close in age and get along well. They're not foolproof. Siblings seated side-by-side may punch or kick each other, and children of different heights may fight over who is sitting higher. This problem can be solved by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat in the back. Your child's older will not be seated on the lower part of the car, and won't have much of an opportunity to see.

The iCandy Wave is a great choice for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy converts to single buggy that converts to accommodate a newborn in a carrycot and an older child in the main seat. It features an innovative frame that increases in size when you add the second child seat. It can also fold flat for compact storage. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have encountered in any of our tests. The canopies have a generous size with UPF 50+ protection, and peekaboo window. Both seats can recline independently.

The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it is quite expensive. But a high-quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have the highest resale value, so at the end of the day you'll likely recover a portion of the cost. It doesn't have the same selection of seating configurations as the other top picks, but the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to shell out a lot of money.