Buying a Tandem Double Buggy

A tandem double buggy can be a great option if you have twins, or children who are close in age. They're a bit smaller than side-byside buggies and ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as doors, on public transport and rocky terrain.

Some are able to be converted into travel systems that take two carrycots or child car seats. However, they can be heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when in bumping up kerbs.

Convertible

There are a variety of options to add a second seat or making a single stroller double. The UPPAbaby V2 is a large, beautiful stroller. It can easily be converted from a single to a dual by adding a rumble seat. It is more expensive and less maneuverable since the second seat is positioned in front of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model however, it doesn't have storage underneath the seat when 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 tend to be more expensive, but they're made for long-distance trips over rough terrain, and may have a higher resale value.

Reclining seat recline independently

If you're looking for a double stroller that will accommodate children of various ages, you will need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This allows your child of a higher age to rest in the back while the baby sleeps in the bassinet and vice versa.

You'll also need to think about the size of the pushchair, as this will affect the ease of navigate through doors and on public transport. If your doors are narrow, you might be considering a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. It has a footprint similar to a single stroller but can still fit two seats and car seat adaptors.

Tandem buggies tend to be longer 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/car seats/seats and are an excellent choice for twins and siblings of different age. They are also more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a worthwhile investment if you intend to keep it for a long time and will have a decent amount of resale value in the event that you decide to sell it after your children have grown out of it.

Another thing to look out for is if the seat backs are able to recline independently of one another because this allows you to place your child in the best position to nap or observe. This is important if your child is in the back seat and wants to take a nap while the older child prefers to sit up and observe the surroundings.

Certain brands come with a unique seat design which allows the back seat to fully recline into an almost flat position which is perfect for infants. The iCandy Orange, for example has a stadium-style seating option that can be reclined to various positions. It also has a UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows.

Larger than twin buggies

It's not necessary to have twins to benefit from a larger double travel stroller buggy - they're ideal for siblings of different ages and allow you to go about your day without having to worry about your children touching. They're usually a bit longer with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for babies or placed 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 comparable to 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 can be used from birth and is compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots, meaning it is a great travel system.

The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in duo or mono mode in a single click. Its innovative frame expands widthways to accommodate a second seat and it can be used with two car seats or carrycots so it's an excellent choice for older siblings who wish to sit together and share the view. It's a little longer than other models but still feels light to steer and comes with soft suspension that can handle kerbs.

There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems with 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 into the size of one buggie which is useful for those who struggle with storage at home or need to lug it in and out of the boot when using public transport.

It's worth bearing in mind that a double-buggy with a wider width will feel heavier and bulkier than a single buggy that is smaller, so make sure it's what you need before purchasing. It is likely to be used on buses, trains and subways often, so it must be easy to use and manage. It is possible that you will need to move the car seat while taking your child to school or the nursery.

From birth, you're a suitable candidate

If you're expecting twins, or have another child after your first, you're going to require a pushchair that fits the entire family. Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However they are much more maneuverable in narrower doorways and around obstacles such as curbs. Many double buggies are compatible with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an accessory). This allows you to carry three children simultaneously.

Tandem Pushchairs and Prams place one child in the front of the other, and they're generally a better option when you have two children who are similar in age to function well. But they're not completely safe Side-by-side chairs can kick or punch each other, and children with different heights may argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model could solve this issue by elevating the seat at the rear, which prevents your child's older one from being on the bottom and not getting the best view.

The iCandy Wave is a great alternative for parents who want an easy-to-use convertible double buggy that can fit a newborn into 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 padded seats are comfortable, the straps easy to fasten and the buckles some of the best we've seen on any of our tests. The canopies are large in size with UPF 50+ protection, as well as a windows that peek out. Both seats can be reclined independently.

The only drawback to the iCandy tandem is that it's quite expensive. However, a good tandem will last for a long time and will have an attractive resale value so at the end of the day, you'll likely recoup a portion of the cost. The iCandy doesn't have the same seating options as our other top choices. However, it's an excellent choice for families who don't wish to spend lots of money.