Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
Double pushchairs are great for families with twins or children of similar ages. Pick from side-byside or tandem models such as the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 that's small enough to fit through doors that are standard.
Many models are compatible with an infant car seat and have reclining seats. Some models can be changed to single mode. The egg2 Pushchair is a favorite because of its design and flexibility.
Side by Side
Side-by-side is the classic choice for families with twins, or siblings of different ages. They typically have two fixed seats and a single canopy. They're also more spacious than inline buggy models so that both children can see the same thing. They're easy to navigate, and some come with front and rear suspension for better handling over 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 well-known brand. These buggies are also great for jogging and take on any terrain. The seats provide plenty of room for your kids to relax comfortably. You can find these buggies in a variety of colours and designs to fit your family's style.
Certain models come with additional accessories to help keep your baby comfortable. These may include head supports and baby blankets. They could also come with pockets for storing snacks and toys. Parents can choose an infant buggy with a console that keeps things close to hand.
This popular buggy's 2023 version features a fresh look and a bigger sun canopy, and fresh logos. It's a chic option for parents who are conscious of their image and compatible with iCandy child 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 clever and made it easy to know what each component would look like.
It's a little heavier than other double buggies, but still relatively light for an inline-model. It's also extremely versatile and can be used with either one or two infant car seat. It can also switch from a single seat to a tandem with a single click it's a major advantage for families with growing children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is a great double stroller that is ideal for parents with busy schedules. It's easy to maneuver and can take on rough terrain. It comes with a large basket, independent recline on both seats, and a 5-point padded harness to keep your children safe.
Tandem
The innovative frame of this pushchair is able to expand widthways which allows you to add an additional seat without compromising on space. It's a great option for twins as young as birth, and will take 2 carrycots or car seats as well which makes it a great travel system for road trips. It's a bit heavier than some of its competitors and can appear to be a bit long when in double mode but it's got plenty of storage space, including a spacious shopping basket. The iCandy Peach is a favourite for parents who are conscious of their image and has an incredibly sleek, stylish design. The main seat can be adjusted to four different positions and can increase in size with your child's weight to 25kg. It is simple thanks to the quick-release Velcro fasteners, and this model can be used in tandem mode with one child seated on the other. This is an excellent option if you want to avoid disturbing your sleepy newborn.
The seats are placed one in front of another which makes it more difficult for toddlers and their parents to be distracted while they're out and out and about. This kind of pushchair comes with a padded seat that can recline completely, making it suitable for newborns. Many models will feature a higher sitting position, with a more upright backrest in the back for older children. It's often possible to configure the seats to be oriented so that they are facing one another or to face the world, depending on the style of the pushchair. It's easier to navigate narrow doors with a tandem pushchair however it can be a challenge to nip up kerbs and stairs with two children in tow.
This multi-functional pushchair is an excellent choice for families with special needs children. It's a great option for children with disabilities who could benefit from a younger sibling with whom they can play and encourage. It's not cheap, but the sturdy construction is designed to last and has plenty of storage space for all the things you'll need. It comes with a range of accessories that enable you to customize the buggy to meet your family's needs, such as rain covers or lines.
Lightweight
The best double pushchairs that are lightweight are agile, compact and easy to use. Some come with air-filled tires that help them glide on rough surfaces. Some models come with an easy fold that can be folded with one hand and shoulder straps, making them easier for you to carry. You can also look for other accessories such as a sunshade, rain cover, and foot muff.
The Cybex Mios is a lightweight double stroller that has low cost. It's a traveling system that can be used as a light stroller, as well as a fully-functional travel system. A carrycot can be added to make it suitable for use from birth. It features a side-byside design and the two seats recline independently, offering an ideal positioning for toddlers and babies. It has a generous UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows, and the toddler seat is fully padded with adjustable foot and leg rests.
Another option is the UPPAbaby Vista 2. It can be used to carry twins or a baby and a toddler, and is compatible with a wide range of car seats. It's an elegant and sleek frame, with large wheels on the back to withstand rough terrain. It's also great for jogging. It's a bit long when in double mode, though, and there's no storage space beneath the seat.
When comparing double pushchairs, consider the weight of the frame, seat and suspension. The heavier the buggy, the more difficult it will be to push. This is particularly the case on uneven surfaces. Make sure to check the dimensions of the folding, and if you can remove the seat to make it smaller. Check for features like a simple one-handed fold which home tester Kirstie described as "genius" and a convenient strap to sling over your shoulders.
You can also opt for a tandem double pushchair, which places children in a row behind one another. It's not as easy to maneuver as a side-by-side, but it's still a viable option for families with multiple children and could be more suitable for older toddlers. Certain tandems have recliner seats that allow children to lay down or sit up according to their mood.
Comfortable
A double pushchair that is well-designed can make your outings easier, whether you have twins or two children of similar ages. There are double umbrella stroller of comfortable options available on the market. If you're looking for a side-by-side model that can accommodate a seat and carrycot or a tandem model with an adjustable rear and front seat, there's bound to be a suitable option for your family.
Look for seats that have various reclining positions as well as adjustable calfrests. They are usually controlled by single-handed buttons that are located at the rear of the seat. (Though in our labs it can be difficult for parents with small hands). Some of the best double pushchairs also offer an enormous UPF 50+ sun canopy with magnetic peekaboo windows as well as an incredibly useful hood extension to shield your children from harmful UV radiation.
Convertible Doubles
One way to save money is to buy a convertible pushchair that can convert from single to double mode as your children grow. 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. The reclining seats and spacious carrycots were adored by the home testers who adored how it could grow with your family.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that can last into toddlerhood and beyond, the iCandy Venus is a great choice. It includes a footmuff as well as a seat, but can be transformed into a twin-sized pram by using the brand's newborn Cocoons (available at a price of PS59 per piece). Our labs loved how easy it is to switch between different configurations and found the instructions to be clear and simple - though it can take some practice to get it all out of the box.
Some double pushchairs only allow you to sit your children side-by-side. They are generally oriented towards the world, but there are a few exceptions, such as the Bugaboo Donkey and Mountain Buggy Duet that can be set up to allow both front and parent facing seating (though this can result in an increase in the overall size of the chassis). Kerb popping is typically easier with a tandem but getting through doorways and narrow aisles for shopping can be difficult at times.