The Secret Life Of Double Pushchair
Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
If you're expecting twins or two children that are close in age, a double pushchair offers the flexibility you need for your growing family. Pick from side-byside or tandem models like the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 that's small enough to fit through standard doors.
Many models also offer recliners that can be laid flat and can be used with infant car seats. Some can even convert to single mode, like with the egg2 Pushchair that is loved for its design and versatility.
Side by Side
The side-by-side buggy is the classic choice for families with twins, or siblings of different ages. They usually have two fixed seats with a single canopy and they're usually wider than an inline buggy, which gives both children the same view. They are easy to maneuver, and some even have front and rear suspensions to help with traversing kerbs or bumps.
While they can cost more than other types of double buggies, they tend to have better resale value when you purchase a well-known brand. They're also great for jogging and can withstand rough terrain, and the seats offer plenty of space for your kids to sit comfortably. Buggies come in a range of colors and styles to fit your family's tastes.
Certain models come with extra accessories that will help to keep your baby comfortable. These accessories can include head supports and baby blankets. They could also come with pockets for storing snacks and toys. Parents can find the perfect buggy that features a console that keeps essentials close at hand.
The 2023 version of this cult buggy features a fresh design with a larger sun canopy and fresh logos. It's a chic option for parents who want to look their best and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's easy to assemble although Kerry found that it took a long time to take the components out of their boxes. However, the packaging was well-labeled and efficient making it easier to know what to expect out of each part.
It's heavier than other double buggies, however it's still relatively light for an inline model. It's also extremely versatile, and can be used with two or one infant car seats. It can also switch from a single seat to a tandem in one click it's a major benefit for families that are growing.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is another top pick for double strollers, and it's ideal for busy parents. It is easy to maneuver and can take on rough terrain. It comes with a huge shopping basket, an independent recline for both seats, and a padded 5-point harness to keep your kids secure.
Tandem
This innovative frame can be expanded in size, allowing a second seat to be added without compromising space. This is a great choice for twins as it can fit two carrycots or car seat. It's also a great option for roadtrips. It's a bit heavier than some of its rivals and could appear to be a bit long when in double mode, but it's got plenty of storage, including a spacious shopping basket. The iCandy Peach is a favourite among parents who are obsessed with their image and has an extremely stylish, sleek design. Its reclining main seat also moves into four different positions, and it will expand with your child's weight up to 25kg. Adding an additional seat is simple thanks to the quick-release Velcro fastenings, and this model can be used in tandem mode with one child sitting on the top of the other. This is a great option if you want to avoid disturbing your newborn baby.
The seat is set one ahead of the other in this arrangement, so it can be harder for toddlers to distract each other while you're out and about. This type of pushchair features an upholstered seat that can fully recline which makes it suitable for babies. A lot of models have a taller, more upright seat in the back for older children, and it's often possible to configure the seats to be oriented so that they are facing each other or world facing depending on the design of the buggy. With a tandem pushchair it's more streamlined to fit through narrow doors, but it can be difficult to get around kerbs and stairs with two children.
A fantastic option for families with special needs, this versatile pushchair is an ideal solution for children with disabilities that benefit from having another child to play with and encourage. It's not cheap, but it's built to last. There's plenty of storage space to meet your needs. It comes with a variety of accessories to allow you to personalize the buggy according to the needs of your family like rain covers or lines.
Lightweight
The most double pushchairs that are lightweight are agile compact and simple to use. They're typically constructed of a sturdy aluminium frame, and some have air-filled wheels that allow them to glide over even rough surfaces. Some models have a one handed fold and shoulder straps that make them more convenient to carry. You could consider adding additional accessories like an ankle muff, a sunshade or a rain cover.
The Cybex Mios is a lightweight double stroller that has an affordable price. It's it's a complete travel system and a lightweight buggy that is suitable starting at birth with the use of a carrycot. It has an aesthetically pleasing side-by-side design with the two seats recline independently. This provides the ideal positioning for infants and toddlers. It has a large UPF 50+ canopy, peekaboo windows and a toddler seat that is fully padded and adjustable.
Another top contender is the UPPAbaby Vista 2. It can be used to carry twins or a baby and a toddler. It is compatible with many car seats. It features sleek and stylish frames with big back wheels that can withstand rough terrain. It's also suitable for running. It can be a bit long when in double mode, though, and there's no storage space beneath the seat.
When comparing double pushchairs, take into consideration the weight of the frame, seat and suspension. The heavier the buggy is and the heavier it is, the more difficult it will be to push. This is especially the case on uneven surfaces. Also, check the dimensions for folding and whether or not you can remove the seats, which makes it more compact. Look for features such as an easy one-handed fold that home tester Kirstie described as "genius", and a useful strap that you can wear over your shoulders.
You can also select a tandem double stroller, that places the children one behind the other. It's not as maneuverable however it is a great option for families with multiple children. It might be more suitable for older toddlers. You'll also find some tandems with reclining seats which give children the flexibility to sit up or lie down based on their mood and needs.
Confortable
A double pushchair that is well-designed can make your outings easier no matter if you have twins or two kids with similar ages. There are plenty of comfy options on the market. There are all terrain double stroller for families, no matter if you're searching for a side-by- side model that can hold the carrycot as well as seats or a tandem model with a front and rear seat that can be interchanged.
Find seats with various reclining positions, as well as adjustable calfrests. These are often controlled by one-handed buttons accessible from the rear of the seat. (Though in our labs this can be a bit difficult for parents with small hands). Some of the best double strollers come with an enormous UPF50+ sun canopy, magnetic peekaboo windows and a handy hood extension that protects your child from harmful UV rays.
Convertible Doubles
You can save money by investing in the pushchair that can convert from single to dual mode as your child develops. The egg2, for example is a chic option that can be used in conjunction with the toddler seat that comes with it or a baby carrier from birth. It comes with a second RumbleSeat for older siblings. Its reclining seats and large comfortable carrycots are loved by home testers, who love how much it will grow with your family.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that will last through toddlerhood and beyond, the iCandy Venus is a great choice. It includes a seat as well as a footmuff, but can be combined with the brand's newborn cocoons (available separately for just PS59 each) to transform it into a twin pram suitable for twins or infants/toddlers. Our labs loved how simple it is to switch between configurations and found the instructions clear and easy to follow - even though it may take some time to master it out of the box.
Some double pushchairs only allow you to seat your children together and are generally world-facing. However there are some notable exceptions like the Bugaboo Donkey or Mountain Buggy Duet which can be configured to be front and rear facing (though this will increase overall width of the chassis). Tandems are usually easier to maneuver through kerbs, but they can be difficult to navigate through narrow doors and aisles.