Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
Double pushchairs are perfect for families with twins or children of similar ages. Select from tandem models or side-byside configurations such as the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 which is small enough to fit through standard doors.
Many models also offer recliners that lie flat and can be used with infant car seats. Some even convert to single mode, like with the egg2 Pushchair which is loved for its design and versatility.
Side by Side
Side-by-side strollers are an excellent option for families with twins or siblings of various ages. They typically have two fixed seats and a single canopy. They are also wider than inline buggys so that both children can see the same thing. They're easy to maneuver, and some have front and rear suspensions to allow to provide better control over bumps or over the kerb while turning.
They can be more expensive than other double buggies, but they are more cost of resales, especially when they're a well-known brand. These buggies are also great for jogging, and can take on any terrain. The seats offer plenty of room for your children to sit comfortably. Buggies are available in a variety of colours and styles to fit your family's tastes.
Certain models come with extra accessories that can help keep your baby in a comfortable position. These may include head supports and baby blankets. Some may have pockets to store toys and snacks. Parents can get a buggy that has an area for keeping their important items close by.
The 2023 version of the popular buggy features a fresh design with a larger sun canopy and fresh logos. It's a stylish choice for parents who value their image and is compatible with iCandy child car seats. It's easy to assemble although Kerry found that it took a while to get the parts out of their boxes. The packaging was well-labeled and clever, so it was easy to identify what each component would look similar to.
It's a little heavier than other double buggies however, it's still light for an inline model. It's also extremely versatile, and you can use it with one or two infant car seats. It can even switch 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 that is ideal for parents with busy schedules. It is easy to maneuver and can handle rough terrain. It comes with a huge shopping basket, a recline that is independent for both seats, and a padded 5-point harness to keep your children safe.
Tandem
The innovative frame of this pushchair expands widthways which allows you to add a second seat without sacrificing space. It's a great choice for twins as young as birth, and will take 2 car seats or carrycots as well, making it a fantastic travel system for road trips. It's a bit larger and heavier than some of its competitors, however it provides plenty of storage space, including a large shopping basket. The iCandy Peach has a sleek, stylish design that is popular with parents who are conscious of their image. The main seat can be adjusted to four different positions and can grow with your child up to 25kg. The quick-release Velcro fasteners make it simple to add a second seat. This model can be used in tandem mode, placing one child seated on top of another. This is a great choice for parents who want to keep from disturbing your newborn baby.
This arrangement places the seats one on top of the other which makes it more difficult for toddlers and their parents to get distracted while out and out and about. This kind of pushchair comes with an upholstered seat that can fully recline which makes it suitable for newborns. Many models have higher and a more upright seat for children who are older. In accordance with the model it is possible to set them up with the intention of facing each other or the world. With a tandem pushchair it's easier to squeeze through narrow doors, but it can be difficult to navigate stairs and kerbs with two children.
A great option for special needs families, this versatile pushchair is an ideal solution for children with disabilities who benefit from having another child to play with and encourage. It's a bit pricey but the solid construction is designed to last and has plenty of storage space for everything you'll need. It comes with a variety of accessories that will allow you to customize the buggy to meet the needs of your family like rain covers or liners.
Lightweight
The most double pushchairs that are lightweight are agile and compact, making them simple to use. They're usually made of a sturdy aluminum frame, but some also have air-filled wheels that allow them to move over rough surfaces. Some models come with an easy fold that can be folded with one hand and shoulder straps, making them more convenient to carry. Consider adding extras like the foot muff, sunshade or a rain cover.
The Cybex Mios is a lightweight double stroller that has a low price. It is a travel system that can be used as a light stroller and also a fully-functioning travel system. A carrycot can be added to allow it to be suitable for use from the time of birth. It has a side-by-side design and the two seats recline independently, providing the ideal position for babies and toddlers. It comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy, with peekaboo windows and the toddler seat is fully cushioned with foot and leg rests that can be adjusted.
UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another top contender. It can accommodate twins or a baby and a toddler, and it is compatible with a range of car seats. It's an elegant and sleek frame that has large wheels at the back to withstand rough terrain. It's also ideal for jogging. It's a bit long when used in double mode, though, and there's no storage space under the seat.
When comparing different double pushchairs, consider the weight of each frame, seat and suspension. The heavier the buggy is heavier, the more difficult it will be to push. This is especially true on uneven surfaces. Then check the folding dimensions and whether or not you can remove the seats, making it smaller. Check for features such as a one-handed folding system, which Kirstie, a home tester at the time described as "genius" or a strap that can be worn over your shoulder.
You can also select a tandem double stroller, which places the children one behind another. It's not as maneuverable, but still an excellent option for many families. It might be more suitable for older toddlers. There are also tandems that have reclining seats which give children the flexibility to lie down or sit down based on their moods and needs.
Comfortable
A good double pushchair will simplify your travels, whether you have twins or two kids of similar ages. Thankfully, there's a wide choice of comfortable options available that are available. There are plenty of options for families, whether you're looking for a side by side model that can hold the carrycot as well as a seat, or a tandem with seats in the front and back that can be interchanged.
In addition to buckles, straps with padding and headrests, look for seats that have multiple recline positions and adjustable calf rests. Typically, these are controlled via easy-to-use single-handed buttons accessible from the back of the seat (though in our testing this could be difficult for parents with small hands). Some of the best double strollers also have a huge UPF50+ sun canopy, magnetic peekaboo window and a handy hood extension to shield your child from harmful UV rays.
Convertible Doubles
You can save money by investing in the pushchair that can convert from single to dual mode as your child develops. The egg2, for example, is a stylish choice that works with the included toddler seat or baby carrier from birth. It can even include a second RumbleSeat for older siblings. The reclining seats and spacious carrycots were particularly well received by the home testers who adored how it could 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 option. It includes a seat and footmuff, but can be combined with the brand's newborn cocoons (available separately for just PS59 each) to make it a twin pram suitable for twins or infants/toddlers. Our labs loved how easy it was to switch between configurations. They also found the directions to be clear and straightforward however it might take some time.
Some double pushchairs only allow the children to be seated in a row and are usually world facing. However there are some notable exceptions like the Bugaboo Donkey or Mountain Buggy Duet that can be set up with both front and parent facing (though this will increase overall chassis width). Tandems are generally more maneuverable over kerbs, however they can be difficult to navigate through narrow doorways and aisles.