Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you enjoy long walks with your toddler and you are contemplating having the birth of a second child, a double pushchair will simplify family life. There are numerous options to choose from.
The majority of tandem buggies can be configured in a variety ways. Some tandem buggies have seats that are reversible, allowing siblings to sit facing each other, or you.
Size
If you're buying a double pushchair from birth it's worth bearing in mind that they're usually bigger than single buggies. You should make sure that your buggy fits through the doorways of your home and is able to easily maneuver up and over kerbs and stairs.
Double strollers are available in two main styles: tandem and side-by-side. Tandem buggies can be a great option for parents of twins, whereas side-by-side strollers can be used with children of various ages and can often convert into single-to-double pushchairs, by adding a seat or carrycot to the frame.
Most tandem buggies are built with the seats facing one another and provide a variety of seat configurations, allowing your children to see each other when they ride. If your children are of a similar age to be able to coexist (or at the very least not fight over who gets the best seat!) You might find that they prefer facing one another rather than sitting next to one another.
A great option for families with twins or younger siblings who need to sit together is the iCandy Venus. This beautiful and affordable buggy comes with the added bonus of being able to take an infant car seat which means it can expand with your family. To make sure your newborns are warm and cozy in their cocoons iCandy includes additional accessories that competitors charge for separately, like fleecy liners.
Another great option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair, that is popular with parents who are conscious of their appearance, can be used either as an individual stroller or as a double stroller due to its adaptors, which allow you to add a seat or a carrycot. It's not the most affordable double stroller, but it has certain unique features that distinguish it from its competitors. One of these is an enormous basket that can be placed behind seat when in parent-facing mode.
Style
Double buggies tend to be heavier and bulkier. If you plan to purchase one that you intend to keep for a long period of time be aware of this. They do come with more storage space, and a larger basket. They usually also have seating that is facing the parent, with a sunshade that can be extended and a peekaboo window, as well with seats that recline independently. Some models come with an adjustable leg and foot rest that can be adjusted to alleviate any discomfort that is caused by long walks or prolonged sitting.
The most well-known double buggy styles are side-bysides and tandems. Tandems are designed to have the children placed in a row, which gives them both the same view. It can also aid in avoiding sibling fights over who should sit where. They're not foolproof. Children are still able to punch or kick each other when they are riding. Side-by-side is more conventional and has two fixed seats mounted on a single wide stroller frame. They may not offer the same number of configurations, and are ideal for infants who are able to sit on their own but don't require the back support provided by an infant car seat.
If you're looking for a light double from birth, our lab experts like the Cybex Venus. This clever model expands widthways to switch from mono to twin mode, taking either one or two carrycots and/or infant seats. It's also compact when folded, and comes with a large shopping basket and front and rear suspension for smoother travel. The seats include the RumbleSeat, are padded and comfortable, as well as adjustable leg and footrests. They also have a large UPF 50+ canopy that offers plenty of shade.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is a similar value product. Like the Venus, it's a side-by-side pushchair that is able to be configured to meet the needs of your family. It takes only one infant car seat and can be paired with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for a third passenger (though it limits the use to twins). The seat can recline independently, and the City Mini GT2 has some of the best maneuverability among double buggies. Testers said that it was easy to maneuver up and down kerbs.
Comfort
The seat padding and fabrics are comfortable for both kids and adults and adults, and the UPF 50+ canopy is long enough to provide real shade, and also offers a cute peekaboo view. The seat reclines in a variety of positions, which our testers loved. The only drawback to this model is that it's not quite as compact as other models. However our lab experts reported that it could be opened and closed with ease.
Double strollers are typically heavier and bulkier as well as costlier than single buggies. However, they're a great investment for families with two children who are close in age (generally under 4). Choose a brand that will last for many years and will not lose its value.
Tandem buggies begin as an individual pushchair, but they have adaptors that allow you to add an additional seat, carrycot or (in certain instances) car seats to the frame. Some are fixed doubles, however others - such as this one from Leclerc - can switch to a side-by-side configuration when your children are old enough to be ready for it.
A side-by-side double buggy is generally bigger than other types of buggy, but it is easier to maneuver over kerbs as the weight is distributed more evenly. It's not a guarantee to avoid sibling fights. Children in the same seat could punch or kick one another while riding.
A front-facing tandem could be a good alternative to a side-by-side model for older children. It can also reduce the chance of fighting between siblings as your kids are not directly facing each other. Some kids may feel left out in a tandem that is facing toward the rear, as they don't have the same view.
The egg2 is a sleek modern and contemporary product at a competitive price. Our testers were impressed by how easy it was to push, but wanted it had more storage and that the handlebars were more ergonomic. It's suitable from birth, and can be used in twin mode as early as newborn, or as a combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats/car seat(s) for twins. It's the most flexible of our double buggies which is why it's been a MadeForMums popular model since 2009. It's not the most affordable double buggy, but it comes with a competitive price and a great resale.
Storage
A double pushchair can make life easier for you for parents with more than one child. There's a broad selection of double strollers available from tandems to side-bysides in different styles and colours. Before making a purchase it is important to consider your family's lifestyle and the features that are most important to you. The process of assessing your needs will allow you narrow down your possibilities and pick the best double pram for you.
A quality double buggy should be nimble, easy to maneuver and should be lightweight. strollers double strollers is especially crucial if you live within an urban setting where you'll require a double stroller that can traverse busy streets and squeeze into narrow doors for lunch runs and shopping days out.
Many of the best double buggies come with suspension that softens the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces and recline features for those times when your child wants to take a snooze. Both seats should have adjustable leg and footrests, UPF 50+ canopy, with a peekaboo window, and comfy buckles and straps.
Another factor to consider when choosing a double pushchair is how compact it can be when folded. Certain double buggies can be folded into a small size that is easy to carry, and fit into tight spaces like cabinets. Double buggies are made to fold down into smaller sizes that are easy to carry and fit into small spaces, such as cupboards.
If you're on an extremely tight budget, you can find double strollers at the lowest price. The Cybex Influencer, for example can be used as a single stroller or double stroller. It also has an under-seat basket when it is in the parent-facing position. It is lightweight it folds flat and comes with a high resale value.
The UPPAbaby is a great option for families as it can accommodate two infant car seats and be set up in a variety of ways. It comes with reversible seats to allow your children to face each other or the world and it can be fitted with a bassinet that is suitable for newborns.