Buying a Tandem Double Buggy

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

Some can be converted to travel systems that take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and may not be as stable when as they bump up kerbs.

Convertible

Whether you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add an additional seat to an existing one, there are many options to choose from. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is spacious, gorgeous stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seating (available separately). However, it's pricey and less mobile than other double pushchair for newborn and toddler strollers due to the fact that the second seat goes to the left of the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when used as a double stroller.

Other alternatives include all-terrain lightweight twin stroller buggies and fixed-wheel joggers which can be used to accommodate two children. They are more expensive but they are designed for long trips on rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.

Reclining seat recline independently

If you are looking for a double stroller which can accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with independent seat recliner for both seats. This will allow your older child to rest while the baby is sleeping in a bassinet and reverse.

It is also important to consider the width of the stroller as this will affect how easy it is to navigate through doors and on public transportation. If you have narrow doorways then it might be a good idea to consider a side-byside pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the benefit of having a footprint that is similar to a single buggy, however it can accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.

Tandem buggies tend to be longer than side by side models, making them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats/car seats/seats and are an excellent choice for twins and siblings of different age groups. They can also be more expensive than single-to double buggies, but are worth the investment if you plan to keep it for years and will retain a decent amount of resale value in the event that you sell it on when your children are out of it.

Another thing to look for is if the seat backs can recline independently of each other as this will let you place your child in the most optimal position for napping or observation. This is important if your child is in the back seat and would like to nap while the more mature child prefers to sit up to observe the surroundings.

A few brands have a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position which is perfect for newborns. For instance, the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline both the included toddler seat and the additional RumbleSeat into various positions so that your children have a a choice of where to sit as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows.

More spacious than twin stroller with car seats buggies

They are great for siblings with different ages, and you can move around without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a bit larger with one seat placed behind the other, and typically providing a flat recline for babies (or a more upright position for toddlers).

A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which features the slimmest side-by-side design on the market and has the same footprint as a single buggy. It also comes with an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push and an adjustable handbrake, which is useful when tackling difficult terrains. It is suitable for use right from birth, and can be paired with a variety of car seats and carrycots.

Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has the convenience of a single click to fold and is able to be used in mono or duo mode. Its clever frame expands to accommodate a second chair and can be used to accommodate up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who would like to be seated together. It's a bit larger than other models, but it still isn't heavy and has a soft suspension for the kerbs.

There are a lot of 3-wheeler inline tandems available such as Phil and Teds inline models, or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies, for instance that offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into the size of a single buggy, which is helpful for those who struggle with storage at home or need to carry it in and out of the car on public transport.

Be aware that a double wide buggy is more heavy and bulkier than one compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want prior to making a purchase. You'll need to take it off and on trains, buses and subways regularly so it needs to be easy to use and manage. You may need to juggle the car seat on and off while taking your child to school or to nursery.

Suitable from birth

You'll need a pushchair for the whole family, whether you're expecting twins or double buggy from birth if you have a child after you've had your first. Double buggies tend to be slightly heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers, but they can also be easier to manoeuvre in narrower doorways or around obstacles such as curbs. They are also compatible with piggyback ride-along boards (either from the manufacturer or through a separate accessory purchase) so you can transport three children at the same time.

Tandem pushchairs place one child in front of the other, and they're generally a better option when you have two children who are similar in age to function well. However, they're not 100% secure Siblings in a side-by-side seat could kick or punch each other, and kids on different heights can squabble over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, preventing your older child from sitting on the bottom and not having much of a view.

The iCandy Wave is a great option for parents looking for an easy-to-use double buggy that converts to accommodate 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 the second seat and folds down to flattish storage. The cushioned straps, buckles, and seats are all of the highest quality we have seen in any of our tests. The seats can be reclined independently and the canopies are big and spacious 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 expensive but a high-quality tandem will last for years and retain its resale value, so you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating arrangements as our other top picks. It's nevertheless a good option for families who don't want to spend a lot of cash.