Buying a Tandem Double Buggy

If you have twins or children very close in age, a tandem double buggy is a great option. They're smaller than side-by-side buggies, and ideal for maneuvering tight spaces, such as doorways, on public transport and on rough terrain.

Some can be converted to travel systems that take two carrycots or car seats for children. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when as they bump up kerbs.

Convertible

There are a variety of options to add a second seat or changing a single to double stroller stroller into double. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a spacious, gorgeous stroller that can easily be converted from a single model to double by incorporating the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's pricey and less maneuverable than other dual strollers due to the fact that the second seat is placed to the left of the front seat. The Nuna Demi Grow is a comparable model with great seating versatility but does not have storage under the seat when used in doubles mode.

Other options include all-terrain twin buggies and fixed-wheel joggers that can hold two children. These are more expensive, but they are designed to last longer on rough terrain and come with more expensive resales.

Reclining the seat independently

If you're looking for a double buggy that is able to transport children of different ages, you'll want one that has recline that is independent for both seats. This allows your older child to rest while the baby is in a bassinet, and reverse.

You'll also have to consider the width of the pushchair, as this will impact the ease of navigate through doors and on public transportation. If your doorways are very narrow, you may 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, making them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and are the perfect choice for twins and siblings of different age groups. These buggies are more expensive than single buggies to double however they're worth it if you intend to keep it for a few years. They will also retain some value if you decide to sell it when your children have outgrown the buggie.

Another thing to look for is if the backs of the seats can recline independently of each other since this will allow you to put your child in the most optimal position for naps or watching. This is especially important if you have a younger child in the rear seat, who will be inclined to lie down and take a snooze while the older child wants to sit up and observe their surroundings.

Some brands feature an exclusive seat design that allows the back seat to completely recline to an almost flat position, which is ideal for newborns. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat that comes with it and the add-on RumbleSeat into multiple positions to give your kids a a choice of where to sit as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen from afar.

Larger than twin buggies

They are perfect for siblings of different age groups, and you can move around without having to worry about your children touching. They're typically a larger, with one seat 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 option. It has the slimmest design side-by-side on the market, and a footprint comparable to a single stroller. It has an adjustable handle that makes it easier for parents to push and a handbrake that is useful on steep hills. It can be used from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it is a great travel system.

The iCandy Wave is another option. It can be folded in either mono or duo mode with just one click. The frame's clever design can be expanded to accommodate a second chair and it can be used with up to 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 larger than other models, but it feels light and has a comfortable suspension for the kerbs.

There are also a variety of 3-wheeler tandems inline available - check out Phil and Teds' inline models or iCandy's Peach and Pear buggies for instance - which provide stability and quick steering. They are often folded down to size a single buggy which is useful when you have trouble storing it at home or frequently need to transport it into and out of the car when using public transportation.

Be aware that a double wide buggy will be more heavy and bulkier than one compact buggy. Make sure you know what you want before you purchase. It will be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it should be easy to operate and use. 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 ensure it's easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

From birth, you're a good candidate

You'll need a stroller for your entire family, whether you're expecting twins, or if you have a child after having your first. Double buggies are typically slightly heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers. However, they can also be more maneuverable through narrower doors or around obstacles such as curbs. Many double running Stroller buggies are compatible 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 place one child ahead of the other. They're a good choice if your children are of similar ages and are able to get along. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other and children with different heights could argue over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model is able to solve this problem by elevating the seat towards the rear, which prevents 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 as well as an older child in the main seat. It features a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add the second seat, and folds to flattish storage. The cushioned seats are comfortable, the straps are simple to fasten, and the buckles some of the most impressive we've seen in any of our tests. You can recline both seats independently and the canopies are spacious and large with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.

The only drawback to the iCandy is that it's a little expensive however, a good tandem will last for a long time and maintain its resale value, so you'll probably get back some of the cost in the long run. It doesn't come with the same range of seating options as others of our top picks however the iCandy is a great choice for families that don't want to shell out a lot of money.