Buying a Tandem Double Buggy

If you have twins or children close in age, a tandem double buggy is a fantastic option. They are a bit smaller than side-by-side buggies and are perfect for tight spaces like doors, public transport and rough terrain.

Some convert into travel systems that use two carrycots or car seats. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.

Convertible

If you're looking for a convertible stroller that converts from single to double buggy with car seat (just click Pattern Wiki) or to add a second seat to an existing one, there are several options available. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single to a double push chair by adding the rumble seating (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable due to the fact that the second seat is positioned on top of the first seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model with great seating versatility but isn't equipped with storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.

Other alternatives include all-terrain twin buggies as well as fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. They are generally more expensive but they're designed for long-distance trips over 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 then you're going to want one that has recline independent for both seats. This will allow your older child to be able to relax while your baby is in a bassinet and vice versa.

You'll also need to consider the width of the pushchair as it will impact how easy it is to traverse doors and public transport. If your doors are narrow, you may want to consider a side-by-side pushchair such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint that is similar to a single stroller but 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 the perfect choice for twins and siblings of various age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are a worthwhile investment if you plan to keep it for a long time and will have a decent amount of resale value if you sell it on when your children are out of it.

This feature allows you to place your child in an ideal position for naps or to observe. This is especially important when you have a young child in the rear seat who will want to lie back and sleep while the more mature child wants to sit up and look around their surroundings.

Certain brands have a distinctive design that allows the back seat of their vehicles to fully 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 to several positions. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and windows that peek out.

Wider than twin buggies

There's no need to have twins in order to benefit from a wider double buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different ages and allow you to get around without worrying about your children touching. They're typically a bit longer too with one seat placed behind the other and offering a fully-flat recline for infants (or an upright position for toddlers).

Mountain Buggy Duet is a popular option. It has the slimmest design side-by-side on the market and a footprint that is comparable to the footprint of a single to double pushchair stroller. It also comes with an adjustable handle, which makes it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as a handbrake that is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable to use from birth and can be used with a wide range of car seats and carrycots.

The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode in a single click. Its innovative frame expands widthways to accommodate a second chair and can be used with up to two carrycots or car seats which makes it an ideal option for older siblings that wish to sit together and share the view. It's a bit larger than other models, but it feels light and has soft suspension for the kerbs.

There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems that have inline wheels that provide stability and fast steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. Often these can be folded down to the size of a single buggy, which is helpful if you struggle with storage at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of your car when using public transport.

It's worth bearing in mind that a wide double buggy will be heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller, so make sure it's what you require before you purchase. You'll be taking it on and off subways, buses, and trains often, so it should be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat when you take your child to school or to nursery.

From birth, you're an ideal candidate

You'll need a stroller for your entire family, regardless of whether you're expecting twins or you have a second child after having your first. Double buggies are generally slightly heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, however they can also be easier to manoeuvre through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to carry three children at the same time.

Tandem pushchairs put one child ahead of the other. They're a great option if your children are close in age and are good friends. However, they're not 100% secure Siblings in a side-by-side seat may punch or kick each other, and kids with different heights may argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which will prevent your child's height from sitting on the bottom and not getting the best view.

The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use cheap double buggy buggy that converts to fit both a newborn in a carrycot, and an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame that expands in width when you add a second seat and folds down to flattish storage. The padded straps, buckles, and seats are all of the best quality we have encountered in our tests. The canopies have a generous size with UPF 50+ protection, and windows that peek out. Both seats are reclined independently.

The only drawback of the iCandy is that it's a little expensive but a high-quality tandem will last for a long time and will retain its resale value. So you'll probably recoup some of the cost in the end. The iCandy doesn't come with the same seating configurations as our other top selections. However, it's an ideal choice for families who don't wish to spend much money.