Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
Double pushchairs are great for families with twins or children with similar age. Choose from tandem models or side-byside configurations such as the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 which is small enough to fit standard doorways.
Many models can be used with a baby car seat and have reclined seats. Some models can even be changed to single mode. The egg2 Pushchair is a favorite for its style and flexibility.
Side by Side
The side-byside buggy is a popular option for families with twins or siblings of different age. They typically have two fixed seats with a single canopy and are usually larger than an inline buggy to allow both children the same view. They're easy to move, and some even have front and rear suspensions to allow to help with handling bumps or over the kerb while turning.
Although they may cost more than other double buggies, they tend to have a higher resale value particularly if you select a popular brand. They're also great for jogging and can tackle rough terrain, and the seats are spacious enough for your kids to relax. Buggies are available in a wide range of colors and designs to complement your family's style.
Some models come with additional accessories that will help to keep your baby in a comfortable position. These accessories can include head cushions, seat supports and baby blankets. Some might have pockets to store toys and snacks. Parents can even get an infant buggy with a parent console for keeping the essentials in their reach.
This popular buggy's 2023 version has a new look with a larger sun canopy, and new logos. It's an attractive option for parents who are conscious of their image and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's easy to put together although Kerry discovered that it took some time to take the pieces out of their boxes. The packaging was well-labeled and smart and made it easy to identify what each part would be like.
It's a little heavier than other double buggies but it's still fairly light for an inline model. It's also extremely versatile and can be used with one or two infant car seats. It can even switch from a single seat to a tandem in one click it's a major bonus for growing families.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is another top choice for double strollers. It's ideal for busy parents. It's incredibly easy to maneuver in tight spaces and can handle difficult terrain with ease. It comes with a huge shopping basket, an independent recline for both seats, and a cushioned 5-point harness to keep your children secure.
Tandem
This clever frame can be expanded in width, allowing for the possibility of a second seat being added without taking up space. This is a great option for twins, as it can be used with two carrycots or a car seat. It's also a great option for roadtrips. It's a bit larger and heavier than some of its competitors, however it offers a lot of storage space including a large basket for shopping. The iCandy Peach is a favourite for parents who are conscious of their image and has an incredibly sleek, stylish design. Its reclining seat can be adjusted to four different positions, and it will grow with your children up to 25kg. It is easy thanks to the quick-release Velcro fasteners, and this model can be used in tandem mode with one child on the top of the other. This is a great choice for parents who want to keep from disturbing your newborn baby.
The seat is placed one in front of the other in this arrangement which makes it more difficult for toddlers to be distracted from one another when you're out and out and. This type of pushchair typically has a padded main seat that is able to recline completely, so it's suitable for newborns. Some models come with higher and a more upright seat for children who are older. Depending on the style, it is possible to set them up with the intention of facing each other or the world. It's easier to get through narrow doorways with a tandem pushchair but it can be hard to navigate kerbs or stairs with two kids in tow.
A fantastic option for families with special needs, this versatile pushchair is a nifty solution for disabled children who benefit from having a younger sibling to play with and encourage. It's not cheap, but it's built to last. There's plenty of storage for all your needs. It comes with a range of accessories that allow you to personalize the buggy to suit your family's needs, such as rain covers or lines.
Lightweight
The best double pushchairs with a lightweight design are light compact and easy to use. Some have air-filled tires to help them glide on rough surfaces. Some models have an easy fold that can be folded with one hand and shoulder straps that make them easier for you to carry. Find additional accessories like a sunshade rain cover, and foot muff.
If you're after a lightweight double buggy with a great price, then the Cybex Mios is worth considering. It is it is a fully-functional travel system and a lightweight buggy that is suitable from birth, with the addition of a carrycot. It features an aesthetically pleasing side-by-side design and the two seats recline independently. This allows for the ideal position for infants and toddlers. It comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen through and the toddler seat is fully cushioned with adjustable foot and leg rests.
Another top contender is the UPPAbaby Vista 2. It can accommodate twins, or a baby and a toddler. It can be used with a variety of car seats. It has sleek and stylish frames with large rear wheels that can handle rough terrain, and it's also suitable for running. The double mode can make it a little long, and there is no storage beneath the seat.
When comparing different double pushchairs, consider the weight of each seat, frame and suspension. this link , the harder it'll be to push, particularly on uneven surfaces. Check the folding dimensions, and see if it's possible to remove the seat to make it more compact. Check for features such as a one-handed folding, which Kirstie, a home tester at the time, described as "genius" or a strap that can be slung over your shoulder.
You can also opt for a tandem double stroller, that places the children one behind the other. It's not as maneuverable as a side-byside, but it's still a great option for many families and is suitable for older toddlers. There are also tandems with reclining seats, that allow children to sit up or lie down based on their mood and needs.
Comfortable
A good double pushchair will make your outings easier, whether you have twins or two children with similar ages. There's a huge variety of comfortable choices that are available. There are plenty of options for families, whether you're searching for a side-by- side model that can hold the carrycot as well as seats, or a tandem with an rear and front seat that can be interchanged.
In addition to buckles, straps with padding and headrests, look for seats with multiple reclining positions and adjustable calf rests. Typically, these are operated with one-handed buttons that are accessible from the back of the seat (though in our labs this could be a little fiddly for parents with small hands). Some of the top double strollers also come with an enormous UPF50+ sun canopy, a magnetic peekaboo windows and a handy hood extension to shield 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, as an example, is a fashionable option that can be used from birth using the toddler or baby carrier and also comes with the RumbleSeat additional option for older siblings. The reclining seats and large carrycots were especially well-loved by the home testers who adored the way it can grow with your family.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that will last through toddlerhood and beyond the iCandy Venus is a great choice. It comes with a footmuff and seat, but can be transformed into a twin-sized stroller by using the brand's newborn Cocoons (available at PS59 per piece). Our labs loved how simple it is to switch between configurations and found the instructions clear and straightforward - although it can take some practice to master it out of the box.
Some double pushchairs will only allow you to put your children side-by-side and are generally oriented towards the world however there are some exceptions such as the Bugaboo Donkey and Mountain Buggy Duet which can be configured to have both front and rear facing seating (though this will increase the overall size of the chassis). Kerb popping is generally simpler with a tandem, however getting through narrow doors and aisles of shopping can be a challenge at times.