Buying a Tandem Double Buggy

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

Many also convert into travel systems that include two carrycots or car seats. However, they are heavier and longer than single pushchairs, and might feel less stable when as they bump up kerbs.

Convertible

There are many options for adding a second seat or converting a single stroller to a double. The Vista V2 from UPPAbaby is a big, beautiful stroller that converts easily from a single to a double by adding the rumble seat (available separately). It is more expensive and less maneuverable because the second seat is positioned on top of the first seat. Nuna Demi Grow offers a similar option but lacks storage underneath the seat when it is used as a cheap double buggy stroller.

Other options include twin stroller with car seats buggies that have all-terrain wheels as well as joggers that have fixed wheels that can be used to carry two kids. They are more expensive, but they are made for long-distance trips over rough terrain and have more expensive resales.

Independent seat recline

If you want a double stroller that will accommodate children of different age groups, you'll need one with a recliner that is independent for both seats. This will allow your child's older to rest in the back while the baby is in the bassinet, and reverse.

You'll also have to think about the size of the stroller as it will impact the ease of traverse doors and public transportation. If you have very narrow doors, it may 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 tend to be longer than side by side models, making them more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, they can accommodate more combinations of seats/carrycots/car seats and are a great option for twins and siblings of different age. They also tend to be more expensive than single-to-double buggies but are a good investment if you plan to keep it for many years and will retain a decent amount of resale value if you decide to sell it when your children are out of it.

This feature allows you to put your child in the most comfortable position for naps or to observe. This is particularly important if you have a younger child in the rear seat who will prefer to lay back and take a snooze while the older child wants to sit and observe their surroundings.

Some brands feature a unique design for their seats that allows the back seat to fully recline to an almost flat position which is perfect for babies. For example the iCandy Orange has raised stadium-style seating and can recline the toddler seat included and the add-on RumbleSeat to multiple positions, to give your kids a a choice of where they will sit, as well as providing an excellent UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out.

More spacious than lightweight twin stroller buggies

They are ideal for siblings of different ages, and you can move about without worrying about your children touching. They're usually a bit longer with one seat positioned behind the other. The seats can be reclined completely for infants, or put in an upright position for toddlers.

A popular choice is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the slimmest side-byside design available and has an identical footprint to one twin buggy from birth. It also features an adjustable handle, making it easy for parents of different heights to push as well as a handbrake, which is useful when tackling 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 folds in mono or duo mode with just one click. The frame's clever design expands to accommodate the second chair and can be used 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 little longer than other models but still feels light to steer and has soft suspension to tackle kerbs.

There are plenty of 3-wheeler tandems with inline tires that offer stability and quick steering. Check out Phil and Teds inline models or iCandy Peach and Pear buggies. They can be folded into a single buggy if you have limited space at home or you need to carry it from the car to the bus stop.

It's important to remember that a large double buggy will feel heavier and bulkier than a smaller single buggy Make sure that you're getting what you need before you purchase. You'll have to get it off and on trains, buses and subways often, so it should be simple to use and manage. You may also need to move it on and off the car seat when taking your children to school or nursery so you'll need to be aware it is able to be maneuvered in small spaces.

From birth, you are an ideal candidate

Whether you're expecting twins or have another child after your first, you're going need to find a pushchair that fits the whole family. Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single strollers. However, they are more maneuverable in narrower doorways, or around obstacles like curbs. Many double buggies can be used with piggyback boards (available from the manufacturer or as an add-on). This allows you to carry three children at once.

Tandem pushchairs put one child in front of the other, so they're usually a better option 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 punch or kick each other and children of different heights can fight over who sits higher. A tandem high-low model can solve this problem by elevating the seat at the rear, which prevents your child's older one from sitting on the bottom and not getting much of a view.

The iCandy Wave is a good choice for parents looking for a convertible double buggy with a carrycot that can accommodate both the newborn and the older child. It features a clever frame that can be expanded in width when you add a second seat. It folds flat to make it a compact storage. The padded seats, straps and buckles are all of the highest quality we have encountered in our tests. The canopy is large in size, UPF 50+ protection, and a windows that peek out. Both seats are reclined independently.

The only downside to the iCandy tandem is that it's a bit costly. But a high-quality tandem will last you for a long time and will have the highest resale value, so in the end you'll likely recover some of the cost. It also doesn't offer the same variety of seating configurations as the other top choices however, the iCandy is a good option for families that don't want to shell out a lot of money.