Buying a Tandem Double Buggy

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

Many also convert into travel systems to include two carrycots or car seats. They can be heavier, longer and less stable than a single pushchair.

Convertible

Whether you're looking for a convertible stroller that can be converted from a single to a double or to add another seat to an existing one, there's a variety of options available. best double strollers is a big, beautiful stroller that easily converts from a single stroller to double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). However, it's expensive and less mobile than other double strollers because the 2nd seat is placed behind the front seat. Nuna Demi Grow is a similar model but lacks storage underneath the seat when used as a double stroller.

Other alternatives include twin buggies with all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can accommodate two children. They are generally more expensive but they're designed for long-distance trips over rough terrain and can have more resale value.

Independent recline of the seat

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

You'll also have to consider the width of the stroller as this will affect the ease of get through doors and on public transport. If you have very narrow doors, it could be worthwhile to consider a side-by-side pushchair, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet which has the advantage of having a footprint comparable to a single buggy but can still accommodate two seats and car seat adaptors.

Tandem buggies are typically longer than side by side models, making them more difficult to maneuver around and down kerbs. However they can also accommodate a wider range of combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats and can make a great option for twins and siblings of various age groups. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are worth the purchase if you plan to keep it for a long time and will have a decent amount of resale value should you decide to sell it off when your children have grown out of it.

This feature allows you to place your child in a comfortable position for naps and observation. This is crucial if your child is in the back seat and wishes to take a nap while the child in the front prefers to sit up and observe the surrounding.


Some brands feature a unique seat design which allows the back seat to completely recline into an almost flat position that is perfect for infants. 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 into various positions so your kids can have a choice of where to sit, as well as offering an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows.

Wider than twin buggies

They are ideal for siblings with different age groups, and they allow you to get around without having to worry about your children touching. They are usually a little larger, with one seat behind the other. The seats can be reclined fully for babies or placed in an upright position for toddlers.

A popular option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which is the tiniest side-by-side model available and features a footprint similar to a single buggy. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easier for parents of various heights to push as well as an adjustable handbrake, which can be useful when you have to climb difficult hills. It is suitable from birth and is compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots, meaning it is a great travel system.

Another alternative is the iCandy Wave, which has a simple one-click to fold and is able to be used in duo or mono mode. The clever frame expands to accommodate the second chair and can be used with up to two car seats or carrycots. This makes it a fantastic option for older siblings who want to sit together. It's slightly longer than some other models but still feels light to steer and has soft suspension that can handle 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 they offer stability and swift steering. They are often folded into a single buggy if you are limited in space at home or you need to transport it from the car to the bus stop.

It's worth bearing in mind that a wide double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a compact single buggy Make sure that it's what you require before purchasing. It will be used on trains, buses, and subways frequently so it should be easy to use and manage. You may need to juggle the car seat on and off when taking your child to school or to nursery.

Suitable from birth

If you're expecting twins or have a second child after your first, you're likely need to find a stroller that can accommodate the entire family. Double buggies are typically a bit heavier, bulkier and cost more than single strollers. However, they can also be easier to manoeuvre in narrower entrances 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 a time.

Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, so they're often a better choice for families with two children who are similar in age to be able to live well together. They're not 100% secure. Siblings who are sitting side-by-side could kick or punch each other, and children of different heights can fight over who is sitting higher. This issue can be addressed by a tandem high-low model that elevates the seat in the rear. Your older child will not be sitting at the lower part of the car, and won't get much of an eye.

The iCandy Wave is a good alternative for parents looking for a convertible double buggy that includes a carrycot that is able to accommodate both infants and an older child. It features a smart frame that can be expanded in width when you add a second seat, and folds flat to make it a compact storage. The cushioned seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our testing. Both seats can recline independently and the canopy is big and spacious with UPF 50+ protection and peekaboo windows.

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