Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
A double pushchair is an excellent option if you enjoy long walks with your toddler, and you are planning to have a second child. There are a variety of options to choose from.
Most tandem buggies can be configured in a variety ways. For instance, some come with seats that can be reversed to let your siblings face one another or the other.
Size
It's important to remember that double buggies are typically larger than single buggies. Make sure that your buggy can fit through the doorways of your home and is capable of moving easily across kerbs and stairs.
Double strollers are typically available in two main formats that are tandem and side-by-side. Tandem buggies are an ideal option for parents with twins. Side-by-side strollers are suitable for children of all ages and can be transformed into a single-to-double stroller by adding seats.
Most tandem buggies are built with seats facing one another and offer multiple seat configurations, which allows your children to see each other as they ride. If your children are a similar age they may be able to work together or at least not fight about who gets the most comfortable seats. You may find they prefer facing one another rather than sitting next to each other.
A great option for families with twins or younger siblings who need to sit side by side is the iCandy Venus. This attractive and budget-friendly buggy also comes with the added benefit of being able to take an infant car seat which means it can grow with your family. To make sure your newborns are snuggly and warm in their cocoons iCandy includes additional accessories that other brands charge for separately, like fleecy liners.
Another great option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair, which is popular among parents who are image-conscious It can be used as a single stroller or double stroller due to its adaptors that permit you to include a seat or carrycot. It's not the most affordable double stroller on the market however it does come with distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from its competitors, including the large shopping basket that can be placed behind the seat in the face-to-parent mode.
Style
Double buggies are heavier and bulkier than single models So keep that in mind if you're planning on buying one that will last many years. They do come with more storage space and a larger basket. They also typically feature seats that are facing the parents, with an extendable sunshade and peekaboo window, as well as seats that recline independently. Some models have an adjustable leg and foot rest that can be adjusted to relieve any discomfort caused by long walks or prolonged sitting.
The most popular double buggy designs are side-by-sides and tandems. Tandems place the children on opposite sides with each other, giving them the same view and can aid in avoiding sibling fights over who gets to sit where. They're not foolproof, and children can still kick or punch each other when they are riding. Side-by-sides are a more traditional design, with two fixed seats that are affixed to a single-wide stroller frame. They might not come with as many options and are best for babies that can sit unassisted but don't require the back support that comes with an infant car seat.
Our lab experts recommend the Cybex Venus if you're seeking a light, double from birth. This model is cleverly designed to expand widthways in order to change from mono to twin mode, allowing either two or more carrycots or infant seats. The compact folding design comes with an enormous shopping basket, rear and front suspension and a spacious shopping bag for a smoother ride. The seats, including the RumbleSeat, are padded and comfortable, as well as adjustable footrests and leg rests. They also come with an ample UPF 50+ canopy, which provides plenty of shade.
Another option that is a good value is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. It's a two-in-one pushchair that's similar to the Venus. You can set it to meet your requirements. It can accommodate one car seat for infants, and you can add the Baby Jogger Glider Board for a third passenger (though it limits the use to twins). The seat can be reclined independently, and the City Mini GT2 features some of the most nimble handling of double buggies, with test drivers reporting it's easy to maneuver through kerbs and up and down.
Comfort
The seat padding and the fabric are comfortable for both kids, plus the UPF 50+ canopy is large enough to provide real shade and has a cute peekaboo window. The seat can recline in a variety of positions, too which our testers loved. The only downside to this model is that it's not as compact as other models. However our lab experts reported that it opened and closed easily.
Double strollers are typically heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single buggies. However, they're a great investment for families with two kids who are close in age (generally under 4). Select a brand that can last for many years and will not lose its value.
Tandem buggies start life as an individual pushchair, but they have adaptors that allow you to add a second seat, carrycot or (in some cases) car seats to the frame. Some are fixed doubles, while others - like this one from Leclerc can be converted to a side-by-side configuration when your children are ready to do so.
A side-by-side double buggy is typically larger than other types however it is much easier to maneuver over kerbs because the weight is distributed more evenly. However, it's not a guarantee to prevent sibling rivalries and children in the same seat can kick or punch each other when they ride.
A front-facing tandem can be an alternative to a traditional side-by-side model for older children and can be less prone to squabbles between siblings since your children aren't facing each one another. Some children may be a bit secluded in a tandem that is facing towards the front, since they don't have the same perspective.
The egg2 features a sleek, modern design and an attractive price. Our testers were impressed by how easy it is to push, but wanted it had more storage space and that the handlebars were a little more comfortable. It is suitable from birth and can be used in twin mode from newborn, or as a combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats or car seat(s) for twins - it's the most flexible of our double buggies which is the reason it's been a MadeForMums favorite since 2009. It's not the most affordable double buggy on the market but it has a competitive cost and an excellent resale.
Stores
A double pushchair can make life easier for you when you have more than one baby. There are a variety of double strollers, from tandems to side by sides with a variety of styles and colors. However, you should consider your family's lifestyle and the features that are important to you before purchasing a product. By assessing your needs, you can narrow down your options and choose the most appropriate double pram.
A good double buggy should be small and easy to use. This is particularly important for those who live in a city area where you require a double buggy that is able to navigate through busy streets and fit through doorways that are narrow to go shopping or on lunch runs.
Many of the best double buggies come with suspension that will soften the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces and recline features for when your little one wants to take a snooze. It is also important that both seats come with straps and buckles that are comfortable with adjustable leg and foot rests, UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out and seats that are reversible, so siblings can face each other or the world around them.
Another factor to consider when choosing a double pushchair is how compact it will fold when folded. Double buggies are often designed to fold into a compact size that is easy to carry and fit in small spaces like cupboards. Some double buggies are designed to fold up into an incredibly compact size that is easy to carry and will fit in small spaces like cupboards.
If you're on an extremely tight budget, you can find double strollers at an affordable price. The Cybex Influencer for instance, can be used either as a single stroller or double stroller. It also comes with a basket underneath the seat when it is in the parent-facing position. It's lightweight and folds flat. It also comes with a high resale value.
The UPPAbaby Vista is also an ideal option for families because it can be set up with various seating arrangements and accommodates two infant car seats. It comes with reversible seats to allow your children to face one another or the world. It can also be equipped with a bassinet for newborns.