Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you enjoy long walks with your toddler and you are contemplating having a second child, a double pushchair can simplify family life. Luckily there are many options to choose from.
Most tandem buggies can be set up in a variety of ways. Some tandem buggies come with reversible seating that allows siblings to sit facing each other, or you.
Size
If you're buying a double pushchair at birth, it's worth bearing in mind that these are usually larger than single buggies. That's why you need to ensure that your chosen buggy is able to pass through your doorways and can easily maneuver through kerbs, and up and down steps.
Double strollers are typically available in two basic forms such as tandem and side-byside. Tandem buggies can be a great option for parents with twins, whereas side-by-side strollers can be used with children of various ages and often transform into single-to-double pushchairs, by adding a seat or carrycot to the frame.
Most tandem buggies are built with seats facing each other and offer a variety of seat configurations permitting your children to view each other as they ride. If your children are similar ages, they may be able to get along or at the very least not argue over who gets the most comfortable seats. You might find that they are more comfortable sitting together rather than next to each other.
A great option 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 with an infant car seat, so it can grow along with your family. To make sure your newborns are snuggly and warm in their cocoons, iCandy includes additional accessories that other brands charge separately, such as fleecy liners.
Egg2 is another great option for families that are growing. This stylish pushchair, that is popular among parents who are conscious of their appearance It can be used as an individual stroller or as a double stroller due to its adaptors, which allow you to include a seat or carrycot. It's not the least expensive double stroller, but it has some distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from competitors, including the large shopping basket that sits behind the seat in the face-to-parent mode.
Style
Most double buggies are heavier and bulkier than single buggies So keep this in mind if looking to purchase a model that will see you through several years. They have more storage space and a larger basket. They also come with a seat that faces the parent as well as a sunshade which can be extended, and an open window. They might also include seats that can recline independently. Some even come with an adjustable leg and foot rest that eases any discomfort caused by long walks or extended periods of sitting.
Tandems and side-by-sides are the most popular styles of double buggy . Tandems are designed with children seated side-byside, giving them the same perspective. This helps avoid sibling rivalries over seating. They're not foolproof, and children can still kick or punch each other when they ride. Side-by-sides are a classic model, featuring two fixed seats arranged on a single-wide stroller frame. They don't offer as many configurations, and they're usually ideal for babies who are comfortable sitting unaided but don't need the back support of a car seat.
Our lab experts recommend the Cybex venus if you are looking for a light double from birth. This innovative model can be expanded width-wise to switch from mono to twin mode, allowing either one or two 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 more comfortable ride. The seats and the optional RumbleSeat are comfortable and padded and come with adjustable leg and foot rests and large UPF 50+ canopy that provide plenty of shade.
Another good-value choice is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. It's a side by side pushchair that's similar to the Venus. It is possible to configure it to meet your requirements. It can accommodate only one infant car seat and can be paired with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for the third person (though it limits the use to twins). The seat can be reclined independently and the City Mini GT2 features some of the most agile handling among double buggies with testers reporting it's easy to maneuver up and down kerbs.
Comfort
The fabric and padding of the seat are comfortable for children. In addition the UPF 50+ canopies are large enough to provide shade, and also have an adorable peekaboo feature. The seat can recline in a variety of positions, which our testers loved. The only drawback to this model is that it isn't as compact as other models. However our lab experts reported that it opened and closed easily.
Double buggies are heavier, bulkier and more expensive, but are an excellent investment for families who have two children of similar age (generally younger than 4). Choose a brand that is designed to last for a long time and keep its value.
Tandem buggies begin as a single pushchair and have adaptors that allow you to add a second seat, carrycot, or (in some cases) car seats to the frame. Some are fixed doubles, however others - like this one from Leclerc can be converted to a side-by-side arrangement when your children are ready for it.
Although a side-by-side is generally wider than other double buggy types, it can be easier to maneuver through kerbs, as the weight is spread more evenly. It's not a guarantee to avoid sibling fights. Children in the same seat may punch or kick one another while riding.
A front-facing tandem can be an alternative to a side-by-side model for older kids and can be less prone to sibling squabbles, as your children aren't directly facing each one another. Some kids may feel left out in a tandem that faces forward, as they don't have the same view.
The egg2 is a chic modern product that comes at competitive pricing. Our testers were impressed by how easy it is to push, but wanted it had more storage space and that the handlebars were more ergonomic. It is suitable from birth and can be used as a twin stroller starting at the time of birth. It is not the cheapest double buggy, but it has a competitive price and a great sales.
Stores
A double pushchair will simplify your life when you have more than one baby. There are a variety of double strollers available from tandems to side-by-sides in different colors and styles. However, you should think carefully about your family's lifestyle and the features that are important to you prior buying a new one. By evaluating your needs, you can narrow down your options and choose the most appropriate double pram.
A great double buggy needs to be light and user-friendly. This is especially crucial when you live in an urban area where you need a double buggy that is able to navigate through busy streets and fit through doorways that are narrow for to the shops or for lunch runs.
The majority of the top double buggies have suspensions to cushion the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces. They also come with a recline function to allow your child to nap. It is also crucial that both seats come with straps and buckles that are comfortable that can be adjusted, adjustable foot and leg rests and UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out and seats that can be reversible so that siblings can look at one another or the world around them.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a double pushchair is how small it is when folded. Certain double buggies can be folded down to a compact size that's easy to carry and can be tucked away in small spaces like cabinets. Some may be a bit heavier but they will be easy to move and store.
If you have a less budget to work with there are great value double strollers that can be used. For instance the Cybex Influencer can be used as a single or a double, and it comes with a basket that is placed under the seat when facing towards parents. It is also light, can be folded flat and offers a high resale value.
The UPPAbaby Vista is an excellent choice for families as it can be set up with various seating arrangements and accommodates two infant car seats. It can be configured with reversible seats, ensuring that your children can either face each other or the world. It is also equipped with a bassinet that is for a newborn baby.