Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you enjoy long walks with your toddler and are considering having a second child, a double pushchair will simplify your family's life. There are many options available.
The majority of tandem buggies can be configured in a variety ways. For instance, some models have seats that can be reversed to let your siblings face one another or the other.
Size
If you're purchasing a double pushchair at birth, it's important to keep in mind that they're usually bigger than single buggies. It is important to ensure that your buggy can fit through the doorways of your home and be capable of moving easily across the kerbs and steps.
Double strollers are available in two different styles which are tandem and side by side. Tandem buggies can be a good choice for parents with twins. Side-by-side strollers work for children of all ages and can be converted into a single-to-double stroller by adding seating.
The majority of tandem buggies are constructed with the seats facing one another and provide a variety of seat configurations, allowing your children to see each other as they ride. If your children are a similar age they might be able to get along or at least not fight about who gets the most comfortable seats. you might discover that they're more at ease sitting side by side rather than facing each other.
The iCandy Venus is a great option for families with twins, or younger siblings that require a seat. This stylish and budget-friendly buggy also comes with the added bonus of being able take an infant car seat as well, so it can expand with your family. iCandy includes extra accessories, such as fleece liners, which will ensure that your infants stay warm and snug in their cocoons.
Another option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair, which is popular among parents who are a bit glam and want to look their best, can be used as a single stroller or double stroller thanks to its adaptors that permit you to include a seat or carrycot. It's not the cheapest double stroller, but it has some distinctive features that set it apart from other strollers, such as an enormous shopping basket that is placed behind the seat in parent-facing mode.
Style
Double buggies are usually heavier and bulkier. If you're planning to purchase a buggie that you will use for several years, keep this in mind. They do come with more storage space and a larger basket. They typically also come with a parent-facing seat with an extendable sunshade as well as a peekaboo window, as well as seats that recline independently. Some models include an adjustable leg and foot rest that can be adjusted to relieve any discomfort caused by walks or prolonged sitting.
The most well-known double buggy styles include side-by-sides and tandems. Tandems are designed with the children seated side-by-side, giving them the same perspective. This can help avoid sibling rivalries over seating. However, they're not foolproof, and kids are able to punch or kick each one another while riding. The side-by-side format is more conventional and has two fixed seats that are mounted on a single, wide stroller frame. They may not offer as many options and are best for babies who can sit without assistance but do not require the back support provided by an infant car seat.
If you're looking for a lightweight double from birth our lab experts recommend the Cybex Venus. This model is cleverly designed to expand widthways to switch from mono to twin mode, allowing either two or one carrycot and/or infant seats. The compact folding design features an enormous shopping basket, rear and front suspension, and a large shopping bag for a more comfortable ride. The seats as well as the added RumbleSeat are cushioned and comfortable, with built-in adjustable leg and foot rests, as well as generous UPF 50+ canopy that provide plenty of shade.
Another option that is a good value is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. Similar to the Venus one, it's a side by side pushchair that can be configured to suit your family. It can accommodate one car seat for infants and you can also add the Baby Jogger Glider Board for a third passenger (though this limits the usability to twins). The seat reclines independently, and the City Mini GT2 features some of the most agile handling of double buggies, with test drivers reporting it's easy to move up and down kerbs.
Comfort
double stroller with car seat and padding of the seat are comfortable for kids. Additionally the UPF 50+ canopy are long enough to provide shade and an adorable peekaboo feature. Our test participants also loved that the seat reclines at multiple angles. The only downside is that the fold isn't as compact as other models, but our lab experts say it is easy to open and close.
Double buggies weigh more, are bulkier and more expensive, but are ideal for families with two children of the same age (generally younger than 4). They're also likely to be used for many years, so you should choose a quality brand that will last for a long time and that will keep its value for a long time.
Tandem buggies are initially a single pushchair and have adaptors that allow you to add another seat, a carrycot or (in some cases) car seats to the frame. Some are fixed doubles, but others - like this one made by Leclerc can be changed to a side-byside configuration when your children are ready to do so.
While a side-byside is generally larger than other double buggy types it is able to maneuver through kerbs, as the weight is spread more evenly. However, it's not foolproof for avoiding sibling squabbles as children sharing the same seat can punch or kick each other while riding.
A front-facing tandem is an ideal alternative to a side-by-side model for older children. It can also lessen the likelihood of sibling fights as your kids are not directly facing eachother. It's important to remember that some children may feel isolated or lonely 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, a contemporary style and an attractive price tag. Our testers loved how easy it is to push, but they would prefer it had more storage space and that the handlebars were a little more comfortable. It's suitable for babies from birth, and can be used in twin mode from newborn, or as the combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats or car seat(s) for twins - it's the most flexible of our double buggies which is the reason it's been a MadeForMums popular model since 2009. It's not the cheapest double buggy on the market however it is competitive in price and excellent resale.
Storage
A double pushchair will simplify your life for parents with more than one child. There are a myriad of types of double strollers, ranging from tandems to side by sides in a variety of styles and colours. Before purchasing you must take into consideration your family's lifestyle as well as the features that are most important to you. By assessing your needs you will be able to narrow your choices and select the most appropriate double pram.
A great double buggy needs to be nimble and easy to use. This is especially crucial if you live in an urban setting where you will need a double stroller that can traverse busy streets and squeeze into narrow doorways for shopping and lunch days out.
The majority of top double buggies come with suspension to soften the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces. They also come with recline functions to allow your child to lie down. It is also important that both seats come with comfortable straps and buckles, built-in adjustable foot and leg rests UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows, and reversible seats so siblings can face one another or the world around them.
Another thing to take into consideration when deciding on a double pushchair is how compact it is when folded. Certain double buggies are designed to fold into an incredibly compact size that is easy to carry and will fit into small spaces such as cupboards. Double buggies are made to fold into smaller sizes that are easy to carry and will fit in small spaces like cupboards.
If you are on an extremely tight budget, you can find double strollers at a great price. For example the Cybex Influencer can be used as a single stroller or a double, and it comes with a basket that is placed under the seat in parent-facing mode. It is light, folds flat, and has a very high resale cost.
The UPPAbaby Vista is also an excellent choice for families as it can be configured with different seating arrangements and accommodates two infant car seats. It comes with reversible seats so your children can face one another or the world, and it can also be fitted with a bassinet suitable for infants.