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 require to accommodate your growing family. Choose from side-by-side configurations or tandem models like the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 that's narrow enough to fit through standard doorways.
Many models can be used with a baby car seats and include reclined seats. Some models can be converted to single mode. The egg2 Pushchair is a favorite for its style and flexibility.
Side by Side
The side-by-side buggy is a classic option for families with twins or siblings of different age. They usually have two fixed seats with a single canopy and are usually larger than an inline buggy to give each child the same view. They're easy to navigate, and some come with front and rear suspensions to allow to help with handling bumps or over the kerb while turning.
They can be more expensive than other double buggies, but they are more selling price, particularly when they're a popular brand. These buggies are also great for jogging, and can be used on rough terrain. The seats provide plenty of space for your children to sit comfortably. Buggies are available in a variety of designs and colours to fit your family's style.
Some models include extra accessories that can help keep your baby comfortable. These include baby blankets and liners, seat cushions, and head supports. Some may have pockets to store snacks and toys. Parents can also find an infant buggy with a parent console for keeping the essentials in their reach.
The 2023 version of this popular buggy has an updated look with a larger sun canopy and fresh logos. It's a stylish option for parents who are conscious of their image and compatible with iCandy child car seats. It's also easy to assemble but Kerry discovered that it took a long time to get everything out of the boxes. The packaging was well-labeled and smart, so it was easy to determine what each component would look like.
It's heavier than other double buggies, however it's still fairly light for an inline-model. It's also extremely versatile and can be used with either one or two infant car seat. It can even change from a single seat to a tandem in one click and is a huge bonus for growing families.
The UPPAbaby vista V2 is a fantastic double stroller for busy parents. It's incredibly easy to maneuver through tight spaces and handles tough terrain with ease. It is also equipped with a large shopping basket, a recline that is independent for both seats, and a padded 5-point harness to keep your children secure.
Tandem
This clever frame expands in width, allowing for an additional seat to be added without the need for compromise in space. It's an excellent choice for twins who are born and can take 2 carrycots or car seats also which makes it a great travel system for road trips. It's a little heavier than its rivals and could feel long when pushing in double mode, but it's got plenty of storage, including a large shopping basket. The iCandy Peach is a favourite among image-conscious parents and boasts an incredibly sleek, stylish design. Its main seat can be adjusted into four different positions and will expand with your child's weight up to 25kg. The addition of a second seat is simple thanks to the quick-release Velcro fasteners, and this model can be used in tandem mode, with one child sitting on the top of the other. It's an excellent option if you have sleepy newborns who you don't want disrupt their sleep.
The seats are placed one on top of the other, making it harder for toddlers and their parents to get distracted when they are out and about. This type of pushchair typically features a padded seat that can recline fully, so it's suitable for infants. Some models feature a higher and 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 style of the buggy. With a tandem pushchair it's easier to fit through narrow doorways, but it might be difficult to navigate stairs and kerbs with two children.
This versatile pushchair is a great choice for families with children with special needs. It's an excellent option for kids with disabilities who benefit from a younger sibling to play and encourage. It's not inexpensive, but it's constructed to last. There's also plenty of storage for all your needs. It comes with a range of accessories that will allow you to customize the buggy to meet your family's needs, such as rain covers or liners.
Lightweight
The best double pushchairs that are lightweight are agile, compact and simple to use. They're typically constructed of a sturdy aluminum frame, and some have air-filled wheels that allow them to glide over even rough surfaces. They also come with an easy fold with one hand and shoulder straps that make them more convenient to carry. Look for additional extras such as a sunshade, rain cover, and foot muff.
If you're looking for a lightweight double buggy that comes with a fantastic price tag then the Cybex Mios is worth considering. It straddles two categories as both a full-functioning travel system as well as a light buggy, and can be used from birth, with the addition of a carrycot. It has a side-by-side design and the two seats recline independently, offering an ideal positioning for babies and toddlers. It features a spacious UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows and the toddler seat is fully padded with foot and leg rests that can be adjusted.
Another option is the UPPAbaby Vista 2. It can be used to carry twins or a baby and a toddler, and it is compatible with a range of car seats. It features an elegant and stylish frame with large rear wheels that can withstand rough terrain, and it's also suitable for running. The double mode makes it a bit too long, and there is no storage underneath the seat.
When comparing double pushchairs, think about the weight of the frame, seat and suspension. The heavier the buggy is, the more difficult to push, particularly on uneven surfaces. Also, check the dimensions for folding and whether or not it's possible to remove the seats, making it smaller. Look for features like a simple one-handed fold, which home tester Kirstie described as "genius", and a handy strap that you can wear over your shoulders.
You can also select a tandem double stroller which puts the kids one behind another. It's not as agile however, it's still a great option for families with multiple children. It may be more suitable for older toddlers. There are also tandems with reclining seats that allow children to lie down or sit down depending on their moods and needs.
Comfortable
The right double pushchair can help you get out more easily, whether you have twins or two kids of similar age. There are a variety of comfortable options available on the market. If you're looking for a side-byside model that can accommodate a seat and carrycot or a tandem that has an removable rear and front seat, there's sure to be the perfect choice for your family.
In addition to buckles, straps with padding and headrests, search for seats that have multiple recline positions and adjustable calf rests. Most of the time, they will be operated with one-handed buttons accessible from the back of the seat (though in our labs, this can prove a little fiddly for parents with small hands). Some of the best double strollers also have a large UPF50+ sun canopy, magnetic peekaboo windows and a handy hood extension that shields your child from harmful UV radiation.
Convertible Doubles
You can save money by purchasing an infant stroller that can be converted from single mode to dual as your child develops. The egg2, for instance, is a stylish choice that can be used in conjunction with the included toddler seat or baby carrier from birth. It even offers a second add-on RumbleSeat for older siblings. Its reclining seats and large comfortable carrycots are loved by testers at home who appreciate how it can expand 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 option. It includes a seat as well as a footmuff, but can also be used with the brand's newborn cocoons (available separately at PS59 each) to make it a twin pram suitable for twins or toddlers. Our labs loved how simple it is to switch between different configurations and found the instructions to be clear and straightforward - although it can take some practice to master it out of the box.
Some double pushchairs allow you to put your children side-by-side. They generally face the world however 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 result in an increase in the overall dimensions of the chassis). Kerb popping is typically simpler with a tandem, however getting through doorways and narrow shopping aisles can prove difficult at times.