The Secret Life Of Double Pushchair
Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
Whether you're having twins or two children close in age, a double pushchair gives you the flexibility you need for your growing family. Choose between tandem models or side-by-side designs like the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 which is narrow enough to fit standard doors.
Many models are compatible with an infant car seats and include reclining seats. Some models can even be converted to single mode, as with the egg2 Pushchair that is appreciated for its style and versatility.
Side by Side
Side-by-side is a popular option for families with twins, or siblings with different ages. They usually have 2 fixed seats and one canopy. They're also a bit larger than inline buggy to let both children see the same thing. They are easy to maneuver and some even come with front and back suspensions to help with traversing kerbs or bumps.
While they are more expensive than other types of double buggies, they are likely to be more resale-worthy, especially if you choose a popular brand. They're ideal for jogging and can tackle rough terrain, while the seats provide plenty of space for your children to relax. Buggies come in a variety of colors and styles to match your family's tastes.
Some models come with extra accessories to keep your baby snug. These accessories can include head supports, and baby blankets. They could also come with pockets for storing snacks and toys. Parents can even get an infant buggy with a console for parents to keep the essentials in their reach.
The 2023 version of this popular buggy comes with a new look, a bigger sun canopy and fresh logos. It's an attractive option for parents who want to look their best and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's also simple to put together, although Kerry discovered that it took some time to take all the components out of the boxes. The packaging was well-labeled and clever, so it was easy to determine what each component would look similar to.
It's a bit heavier than other double buggies, but it's still fairly light for an inline model. It's also incredibly versatile, and you can use it with two or one infant car seats. It can even switch from a single seat to a tandem with a single click and is a huge advantage for families with growing children.
The UPPAbaby vista V2 is a fantastic double stroller for busy parents. It is simple to maneuver and can cope with rough terrain. It comes with a huge shopping basket, a recline that is independent for both seats, and a padded 5-point harness to keep your kids secure.
Tandem
This innovative frame can be expanded in width, allowing the possibility of a second seat being added without the need for compromise in space. It's an excellent choice for twins as young as birth, and will take two car seats or carrycots also which makes it a great travel system for road trips. It's a bit heavier and longer than some of its rivals, but it provides plenty of storage space, including a large shopping basket. The iCandy Peach is a favourite among parents who are obsessed with their image and has an incredibly sleek, stylish design. Its main seat can be adjusted to four different positions, and it will grow with your child up to 25kg. The quick-release Velcro fasteners allow you to add a second seat. This model can be used in tandem mode, placing one child sitting on the other. It's an excellent option when you have a newborn who you don't want disturb during their sleep.
The seat is placed one ahead of the other in this setup which makes it more difficult for toddlers to be distracted from one another while out and about. This type of pushchair typically features a padded seat that is able to recline completely and is suitable for newborns. A lot of models feature a higher, more upright seat in the back for older children. It's often possible to configure them to be facing one another or to face the world depending on the design of buggy. With a tandem pushchair it's more streamlined to fit through narrow doors, but it might be a challenge to get around kerbs and stairs with two children.
A fantastic choice for special needs families This multi-functional pushchair is an ideal solution for children with disabilities that benefit from having an older sibling to play with and encourage. It's not cheap, but it's built to last. There's plenty of storage for all your requirements. It comes with a range of accessories that let you to customise the buggy for your family, including rain covers and liner.
Lightweight
The most lightweight double strollers are compact, easy to maneuver and agile. Some have air-filled tires to assist them in gliding over rough surfaces. They may also feature a one-handed fold and handy shoulder straps that make them easier to carry. Consider adding extras like the foot muff, rain cover or a sunshade.
The Cybex Mios is a lightweight double stroller that comes at a low price. It is it's a complete travel system as well as a light buggy, and can be used from birth, with the addition of the carrycot. It is an aesthetically pleasing side-by-side design and the two seats recline independently. This offers the perfect position for infants and toddlers. It comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out, and the toddler seat is cushioned with foot and leg rests that can be adjusted.
UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another top contender. It can accommodate twins or a baby as well as a toddler, and it is compatible with a wide range of car seats. It has a stylish and sleek frame, with large wheels at the back to withstand rough terrain. It's also great for running. It can be a bit long when used in double mode it doesn't have storage space under the seat.
When comparing double pushchairs, be aware of the weight of each seat as well as the frame and suspension. The heavier the pushchair is and the heavier it is, the more difficult it will be to push. This is particularly the case on uneven surfaces. Check the folding dimensions, and then see if you can take off the seat to make it more compact. Look for features like a one-handed folding mechanism, which Kirstie, a home tester at the time, described as "genius", or straps that can be worn over your shoulder.
Alternatively, you can opt for a tandem double pushchair, which sits children behind each other. It's not as maneuverable as a side-by-side, however it's still a good option for many families and could be more suitable for older toddlers. There are tandems with reclining seats, which allow children to lie down or sit down based on their mood and requirements.
Confortable
If you're a parent of twins or two kids close in age, having the right double pushchair can make getting out a whole lot simpler. There's a great variety of comfortable choices that are available. There are plenty of options for families, no matter if you're seeking a side by side model that can fit the carrycot as well as a seat, or a tandem with an rear and front seat that can be switched.
Find seats with multiple reclining positions and adjustable calfrests. They are usually controlled by one-handed buttons accessible from the rear of the seat. (Though in our tests, it can be difficult for parents with small hands). Some of the top double strollers also have an enormous UPF50+ sun canopy, a magnetic peekaboo windows, and a useful hood extension that shields your child from harmful UV radiation.
Convertible Doubles
A great way to save money is to invest in an adjustable pushchair that can change from single to double mode as your children develop. The egg2, for example is a fashionable option that works with the toddler seat included or baby carrier from birth and even offers a second add-on RumbleSeat for older siblings. Its reclining seats as well as its spacious comfortable carrycots are well-received by testers at home who love the way it will grow with your family.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that can last into toddlerhood and beyond, the iCandy Venus is a great choice. It includes a footmuff as well as a seat, but it can be converted into a twin-sized pram using the brand's newborn Cocoons (available at PS59 per piece). Our labs were impressed by the ease of use to switch between the different configurations. They also found the instruction to be easy and simple however it might require some practice.
Some double pushchairs will only allow you to put your children side-by-side and generally face the world, but there are a few exceptions such as the Bugaboo Donkey and Mountain Buggy Duet that can be configured to have both front and rear facing seating (though this can increase the overall size of the chassis). Kerb popping is generally simpler with a tandem, however getting through doorways and narrow shopping aisles can prove a challenge at times.