Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
If you're expecting twins or two children that are close in age, a double pushchair gives 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 through standard doorways.
Many models also have recliners that lie flat and can be used with infant car 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
The side-by-side buggy is a popular option for families with twins, or siblings of different ages. They typically have two fixed seats with a single canopy and are generally wider than an inline buggy to allow each child the same view. They're easy to navigate, and some come with front and rear suspension to help with handling bumps or over the kerb while turning.
They can cost more than other double buggies, but they offer a higher resale price, especially when they're a well-known brand. They're ideal for jogging, and can handle rough terrain, and the seats provide plenty of space for your kids to sit comfortably. These buggies come in a variety of colors and styles to match your family's tastes.
Certain models come with extra accessories that will help to keep your baby snug. These can include baby blankets and seats, liners, and head supports. Some of them may have pockets to store snacks and toys. Parents can even find a buggy that has a parent console for keeping essentials handy.
The 2023 version of the popular buggy comes with a new look with a larger sun canopy and brand new logos. It's a chic option for image-conscious parents and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's simple to put together, but Kerry found that it took a long time to take the components out of their boxes. However, the boxing was well-labeled and clever which made it easy to understand what to expect from each piece.
It's a little heavier than other double buggies but still fairly light for an inline model. It's also extremely versatile, and it can be used with two or one infant car seats. It can be converted from a single car seat to an entire tandem in just a single click.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is another top choice for double strollers, and it's ideal for busy parents. It's extremely maneuverable in tight spaces and handles difficult terrain with ease. It is also equipped with a large shopping basket, independent recline for both seats, and a padded 5-point harness to keep your children secure.
Tandem
This innovative frame can be expanded in size, allowing an additional seat to be added without the need for compromise in space. It's an excellent choice for twins who are born, and will take 2 car seats or carrycots also which makes it a great travel system for road trips. It is a little larger and heavier than some of its rivals, but it offers a lot of storage space, including a large shopping basket. The iCandy Peach is a favourite among image-conscious parents and boasts an extremely stylish, sleek design. Its reclining main seat also can be adjusted into four different positions, and will expand with your child's weight up to 25kg. The quick-release Velcro fasteners make it simple to add a seat. This model can also be used in tandem mode, with one child on top of another. This is a great option if you want to avoid disturbing your sleepy newborn.
This arrangement places the seats one on top of the other, making it harder for toddlers and their parents to be distracted while out and out and about. This type of pushchair usually has a padded main seat that is able to recline completely and is ideal for babies. Many models have higher and a more upright seat for older children. In accordance with the model, it is possible to set them with the intention of facing each other or the world. It's much easier to maneuver through narrow doorways with a tandem pushchair, but it can be hard to get up kerbs and staircases with two children in tow.
This multi-functional pushchair is a great choice for families with special needs children. It's a great solution for children with disabilities who could benefit from a younger sibling with whom they can play and encourage. It's expensive, but the sturdy construction is built to last and there's plenty of storage space for everything you'll need. It comes with a variety of accessories that will allow you to personalize the buggy to suit your family, like rain covers and liner.
Lightweight
The best double pushchairs that are lightweight are agile, compact and easy to use. They're typically constructed of a sturdy aluminum frame, but some also have air-filled wheels that help them glide over even rough surfaces. They may also feature an easy fold with one hand and shoulder straps that make them more convenient to carry. double travel buggy can also look for other accessories like a sunshade, rain cover, and foot muff.
If you're looking for a light double buggy that has a reasonable price, then the Cybex Mios is worth considering. It's a travel system that can be used as a light stroller as well as a functional travel system. A carrycot can be added to allow it to be suitable for use from the age of. It has a side-by-side design and both seats recline independently, offering an ideal positioning for babies and toddlers. It features a spacious UPF 50+ canopy, with windows that peek out and the toddler seat is fully cushioned and has adjustable foot and leg rests.
UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another top contender. It can be used to carry twins or a baby and a toddler, and is compatible with a variety of car seats. It features sleek and stylish frames with large rear wheels to cope with rough terrain, and it's also suitable for running. The double mode can make it a bit long, and there's no storage space underneath the seat.
When comparing double pushchairs be aware of the weight of each seat as well as the frame and suspension. The heavier the buggy is, the more difficult to push, particularly on uneven surfaces. Then check the folding dimensions and whether or not it's possible to remove the seats, making it more compact. Look for features like a one-handed folding mechanism, which Kirstie was a home-based tester at the time, described as "genius" or a strap you can sling over your shoulder.
You can also choose a tandem double stroller which puts the kids one behind another. It's not as easy to maneuver as a side-byside, but it's still a viable alternative for families of all sizes and is suitable for older toddlers. There are tandems that have reclining seats which allow children to sit up or lie down based on their mood and needs.
Comfortable
A good double pushchair will simplify your travels, whether you have twins or two children with similar ages. There are many options for comfortable ones on the market. Whether you want to buy an side-by-side model that will accommodate a carrycot and seat or a tandem with an adjustable rear and front seat, there's sure to be a perfect option for your family.
In addition to buckles, straps with padding and headrests, you should look for seats that have multiple recline positions and adjustable Calf rests. Often, these will be operated with single-handed buttons accessible from the back of the seat (though in our tests it can be a little fiddly for parents with small hands). Some of the top double strollers also come with a huge UPF50+ sun canopy, a magnetic peekaboo windows and a handy hood extension that protects your child from harmful UV radiation.
Convertible Doubles
You can save money by purchasing a pushchair that converts from single mode to dual as your child develops. The egg2, for example, is a stylish choice that works with the toddler seat included or baby carrier right from birth. It can even include a second RumbleSeat for older siblings. Its reclining seats and large comfortable carrycots are loved by test-run testers at home, who love how much it will grow with your family.
If you're looking for an affordable option that can last into toddlerhood and beyond the iCandy Venus is a great choice. It comes with a seat and footmuff but can also be used with the brand's newborn cocoons (available separately for just PS59 each) to turn it into a twin pram suitable for twins or toddlers. Our labs were impressed by how easy it is to change between configurations and found the directions clear and straightforward - although it may take some time to master the process of the box.
Some double pushchairs only allow you to put with your children in a row and generally face the world, but there are a few exceptions, such as the Bugaboo Donkey and Mountain Buggy Duet that can be set up for both front and parent facing seating (though this can result in an increase in the overall width of the chassis). Kerb popping is usually more straightforward with a tandem, but getting through doorways and narrow shopping aisles can prove a challenge at times.