Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you enjoy long walks with your toddler and are considering having a second child, a double pushchair will simplify your family's life. There are a variety of options to choose from.
The majority of tandem buggies can be configured in a variety ways. Some tandem buggies have seats that can be reversed to allow siblings to be facing one another, or you.
Size
It's important to remember that double buggies are typically larger than single buggies. This is why you must ensure that the buggy you select is able to pass through your doors and can easily go up and down kerbs and steps.
Double strollers are typically available in two different styles: tandem and side-by-side. Tandem buggies are an excellent option for parents of twins, whereas side-by-side strollers can be used with children of different ages. They often transform into single-to-double pushchairs simply by adding a seat or carrycot to the frame.
Most tandem buggies are designed with seats facing each other and offer a variety of seat configurations permitting your children to view each other when they ride. If your children are similar ages, they may be able to coexist or at least not fight about who gets the most comfortable seats. you might discover that they're more at ease sitting in a row instead of facing each other.
The iCandy Venus is a great option for families with twins or younger siblings who require seating together. This stylish and affordable buggy also has the added benefit of being able take an infant car seat which means it can expand with your family. iCandy includes extra accessories, such as fleecy liners to ensure that your baby stays warm and cozy in their cocoons.
Egg2 is a great alternative for families who are growing. This stylish stroller is a favourite among image-conscious parents, and it can be used as a single or in a double thanks to its versatile frame that has adaptors available for adding a seat or carrycot. It's not the most cost-effective double stroller, however it does come with distinct features that set it apart from the rest of the market. One of them is the large basket that is placed behind the seat when it's in parent-facing mode.
Style
Double buggies are generally larger and heavier. If you are planning to buy one that you intend to use for several years be aware of this. However, they do offer more storage space, usually with a larger shopping basket. They also typically feature seats that are facing the parents, with an extendable sunshade and windows that peek out, as well as seats that recline independently. Some have an adjustable foot and leg rests which eases any discomfort caused from long walks or long periods of sitting.
Tandems, side-by-sides and tandems are the most popular styles of double buggy. Tandems place the children on opposite sides with each other, giving them the same view and may aid in avoiding sibling fights about who sits where. But they're not completely safe, and children are able to punch or kick each other while riding. The side-by-side model is more traditional, with two fixed seats that are mounted on a single wide stroller frame. They might not come with as many options and are ideal for infants who are able to sit on their own but do not require the back support offered by an infant car seat.
If you're looking for a lightweight double from birth, our lab experts like the Cybex Venus. This model is cleverly designed to expand widthways to switch from mono to twin mode, and can accommodate either two or one carrycot and/or infant seats. The compact folding design includes a large shopping basket, front and rear suspension and a spacious shopping bag for a smoother ride. The seats include the RumbleSeat are cushioned and comfortable, as well as adjustable footrests and leg rests. They also have a generous UPF 50+ canopy that offers plenty of shade.
Another option that is a good value is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. It's a two-in-one pushchair, similar to the Venus. You can configure it to suit your needs. The pushchair is able to be set to accommodate twins or an infant seat. You can also add the Baby Jogger Glider Board as a third child. double pram pushchair reclines independently and the City Mini GT2 has some of the best maneuverability among double buggies. Testers reported that it was easy to maneuver between kerbs.
Comfort
The padding and fabric of the seat are suitable for children. In addition, the UPF 50+ canopy are long enough to offer shade, and also have an adorable peekaboo feature. Our test subjects also liked that the seat reclines at a variety of angles. The only downside is that the fold isn't as small as other models, however our lab experts say it is easy to open and close.
Double strollers are typically heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single buggies, but they're an essential investment for families with two children who are similar in age (generally less than 4 years old). They're likely to be used for many years, so make sure you choose the best brand will last and which will retain its value well.
Tandem buggies were originally one-person pushchairs, but they have adaptors which allow you to add an extra seat or carrycot (in certain situations) the car seat to the frame. Some are fixed doubles, but others, such as this one by Leclerc can be converted into a side-by-side layout once your children are old enough.
Although a side-by-side is generally larger than other types of double buggy It can be a bit easier to move up and down kerbs as the weight is distributed more evenly. But it's not 100% reliable to prevent sibling rivalries as children sharing the same seat can punch or kick each other while riding.
A front-facing tandem can be a good alternative to a side-by-side model for older children. It also decreases the chance of fighting between siblings as your kids are not directly in front of each other. Some children may be a bit secluded in a tandem that faces forward, as they don't get the same view.
The egg2 is sleek modern design and attractive price. Our testers were impressed by the ease of use and push, but they would prefer it had more storage and that the handlebars were more ergonomic. It is suitable from birth and can be used in twin mode from newborn, or as the combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats or car seat(s) for twins - it's the most flexible of our double buggies which is why it's been a MadeForMums favorite since 2009. It's not the least expensive double stroller available, but it is competitively priced and offers a great selling value.
Stores
If you have more than one child having a double pushchair from birth will make your life much easier when out and out and about. There are many different types of double strollers, from tandems to side by side with a variety of styles and colors. However, you should think carefully about your family's needs and what features are important to you before purchasing a product. By assessing your requirements, you can narrow down your options and select the most suitable double pram.
A good double buggy should be nimble and user-friendly. This is especially crucial if you live within an urban setting where you will need an extra pram to traverse busy streets and squeeze into narrow doors for lunch runs or shopping days out.
A lot of the top double buggies feature suspension that softens the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces, as well as recline features for those times when your child is looking to sleep. It is also essential that both seats are fitted with straps and buckles that are comfortable that can be adjusted, adjustable foot and leg rests, UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows and seats that can be reversible to allow siblings to face each other and the world around them.
When choosing a double stroller it is important to consider how compact the pushchair can be when folded. Some double buggies can be folded down into a compact size that's easy to carry and fit into tight spaces like cabinets. Others might be heavier but they'll still be easy to transport and store.
If you are on an extremely tight budget, you can still find double strollers at a great price. The Cybex Influencer is one example, can be used either as a single stroller or a double stroller. It also has a basket under the seat when in parent-facing mode. It is also light, folds flat and has a great resale value.
The UPPAbaby is an excellent option for families because it can accommodate two infant car seats and be set up in different ways. It has reversible seats so your children can face one another or the world, and it can also be fitted with a bassinet suitable for infants.