Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
A double pushchair is a great option for those who enjoy long walks with your toddler, and are planning to have a second child. There are plenty of options to pick from.
The majority of tandem buggies can be configured in a variety of ways. Some tandem buggies feature seats that are reversible, allowing siblings to sit facing one another, or you.
Size
It's important to remember that double buggies tend to be larger than single buggies. You should make sure that your buggy fits through the doors of your home and be capable of moving easily across kerbs and stairs.
Double strollers come in two main designs that are tandem and side-by-side. Tandem buggies are an excellent option for parents of twins, while side-by-side strollers can be used with children of different ages and are often converted into single-to-double pushchairs by adding a seat or carrycot to the frame.
Most tandem buggies are designed with the seats facing one another. They also provide a variety of seat configurations, allowing your children to see each other when they ride. If your children are of a similar age they might be able to coexist or at least not argue over who gets the most comfortable seats. You may discover that they're more at ease sitting in a row instead of facing one another.
A great choice for families with twins or younger siblings that need to sit side by side is the iCandy Venus. This attractive, affordable buggy can also be used in conjunction with an infant car seat, so it can grow along with your family. To ensure your babies are snuggly and warm in their cocoons, iCandy includes additional accessories that other brands charge separately, such as fleecy liner.
Another great option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair, that is popular with parents who are a bit glam and want to look their best, can be used as a single stroller or a double stroller because of its adaptors that permit you to include a seat or carrycot. It's not the least expensive double stroller available, however it does come with distinctive features that set it apart from other strollers, such as an enormous shopping basket that can be placed behind the seat in parent-facing mode.
Style
Double buggies are heavier and bulkier than single buggies, so bear that in mind if you're planning on buying one that will see you through several years. However, they do provide more storage space, typically with a larger basket for shopping. They also typically feature a parent-facing seat with an extendable sunshade and peekaboo window, as well with seats that recline independently. Some even have a built-in adjustable leg and foot rest that eases any discomfort caused from long walks or long periods of sitting.
The most popular double buggy styles include side-by-sides and tandems. Tandems have the children positioned in a row with each other, giving them the same view. It can also aid in avoiding sibling fights about who sits where. However, they're still not completely safe, and children may punch or kick each on the other while they're riding. The side-by-side model is more traditional, with two fixed seats mounted on a single, wide stroller frame. They may not offer the same number of configurations, and they're usually best for babies who are comfortable sitting unaided but don't require the back support of an infant car seat.
Our lab experts recommend the Cybex venus if you are looking for a light double from birth. This model is cleverly designed to expand widthways in order to change from mono to twin mode, taking either two or one carrycot or infant seats. It's also compact when folded and comes with a large shopping basket as well as rear and front suspensions for a more comfortable ride. The seats include the RumbleSeat, are padded and comfortable. They also have adjustable foot and leg rests. They also come with a large UPF 50+ canopy, which provides plenty of shade.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is a different good value option. It's a side-by-side pushchair, similar to the Venus. You can set it to meet your requirements. It can accommodate a single infant car seat and can be paired with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional passenger (though it limits the use to twins). The seat can recline independently, and the City Mini GT2 has some of the best handling among double buggies. Testers noted that it was easy to move through kerbs and up and down.
Comfort
The padding and fabric are a comfortable fit for both children and adults The UPF 50+ canopy is wide enough to provide real shade, and also has a cute peekaboo window. The seat can recline in a variety of positions, which our testers loved. The only issue with this model is that it's not nearly as compact as some models. However our lab experts reported that it could be opened and closed with ease.
Double buggies weigh more, are bulkier, and more expensive, but are ideal for families who have two children who are similar in age (generally less than 4). Select a brand that can last for many years and keep its value.
Tandem buggies are originally one-person pushchairs, but they have adaptors which allow you to add an extra seat, carrycot, or (in certain cases) a car seat to the frame. Some of them are fixed doubles, but others - like this one from Leclerc - can switch to a side-by-side arrangement when your children are ready for it.
While a side-by-side is generally larger than other double buggy types It can be a bit easier to move up and down kerbs as the weight is distributed more evenly. It's not a guarantee to keep siblings from fighting. Children sharing a seat may punch or kick each other while riding.
A front-facing tandem could be an excellent alternative to a traditional side-by-side model for older children. It can also lessen the possibility of sibling rivalries since your children aren't directly in front of each other. It's important to note that some kids can feel lonely or disengaged in a front-facing tandem, since they don't have the same view of the world around them.
The egg2 features a sleek modern design and attractive price. Our testers were impressed by how easy it was to push, but wanted it had more storage and that the handlebars were a little more ergonomic. It is suitable for babies and can be used as a twin stroller from newborn. It is not the cheapest double buggy available, but it has a competitive cost and an excellent sales.
Stores
A double pushchair can simplify life for parents with more than one baby. There's a broad selection of double strollers out there from tandems to side-by-sides and tandems in different colors and styles. Before you purchase a product you must consider your family's lifestyle as well as the features that are most important to you. Evaluating your requirements will help you narrow down the possibilities and pick the best double pram for you.
A good double buggy should be small and user-friendly. This is especially crucial if you live within an urban setting where you'll need an extra pram to navigate through busy streets and fit into narrow doors for lunch runs and shopping days out.
The majority of top double buggies are equipped with suspensions to cushion the impact on bumps and uneven surfaces. They also have recline functions to allow your child to take a nap. It is also essential that both seats come with comfortable straps and buckles with adjustable foot and leg rests and UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows, and reversible seats to allow siblings to face each other and the world around them.
Another thing to take into consideration when selecting a double pushchair is how small it can be when folded. Double buggies are often designed to fold up into a compact size that is easy to carry and will fit into small spaces, such as cupboards. Some may be a bit heavier but will still be relatively easy to move and store.
If you're on a tight budget, you can still find double strollers at the lowest price. For instance, the Cybex Influencer can be used as a single or a double, and it includes an under-seat basket that can be placed underneath the seat in a parent-facing position. It is lightweight it folds flat and has a very high resale cost.
The UPPAbaby Vista is a good option for families because it can be set up with various seating arrangements and accommodates two infant car seats. It comes with reversible seats, so your children can face either one another or the entire world and it can be equipped with a bassinet suitable for infants.