Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you enjoy long walks with your toddler and you are considering having a second child, a double pushchair can simplify your family life. There are numerous options to choose from.
The majority of tandem buggies are able to adapt to different configurations. Some tandem buggies have seats that are reversible, allowing siblings to sit facing one another, or you.
Size
If you're purchasing a double pushchair at birth, it's important to keep in mind that these are usually larger than single buggies. Make sure that your buggy fits through the doors of your house and is capable of easily moving up and over kerbs and stairs.
Double strollers tend to come in two different styles such as tandem and side-byside. Tandem buggies can be a good choice for parents with twins. Side-by-side strollers are suitable for children of all ages, and can be transformed into a single-to-double stroller with the addition of seats.
Most tandem buggies are built with seats facing one another and offer multiple seat configurations, permitting your children to view each other when they ride. If your children are of a similar age, they may be able to get along or at the very least not argue over who gets the best seats. You may find they are more comfortable facing each other than sitting close to one another.
The iCandy Venus is a great option for families with twins, or younger siblings who require seating together. This stylish and affordable buggy also has the added bonus of being able to take an infant car seat, so it can expand with your family. To ensure that your infants are warm and cozy in their cocoons, iCandy also include additional accessories that other brands charge separately, such as fleecy liners.
Egg2 is a different option for families who are growing. This stylish stroller is a favourite among image-conscious parents, and it can be used as a single or in a double configuration thanks to its movable frame, which has adaptors for adding a seat or carrycot. It's not the most cost-effective double stroller, however it does come with some unique features which make it stand out from other strollers. One of these is an enormous basket that can be placed behind the seat when it's in the parent-facing mode.
Style
The majority of double buggies are heavier and bulkier than single buggies Be aware of that in mind if you're looking to purchase a model that will last for many years. However, they do provide more storage space, often with a bigger basket for shopping. They usually also have seating that is facing the parent, with an extendable sunshade and the peekaboo window, aswell being reclining seats that can be reclined independently. Some models have an adjustable leg and foot rest that can be adjusted to ease any discomfort caused by walking or prolonged periods of sitting.
The most popular double buggy styles are side-bysides and tandems. Tandems are designed with children seated side-byside, giving them the same view. This can help avoid sibling fights over where to sit. They're not foolproof and children may still punch or kick each other when they are riding. Side-by-sides are a more traditional design, with two fixed seats assembled on one frame for a stroller. They might not come with as many options and are best suited for babies who can sit without assistance but do not need the back support that comes with an infant car seat.
Our lab experts recommend the Cybex venus if you are looking for a light double from birth. This clever model can be transformed from mono to twin by expanding the width. It can accommodate either one or two infant seats and/or carrycots. It's also compact when folded and has a large shopping basket, as well as front and rear suspension for a more comfortable ride. The seats and the add-on RumbleSeat are comfortable and padded with adjustable foot and leg rests and large UPF 50+ canopy that provide plenty of shade.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. Similar to the Venus model, it's a side-byside pushchair that can be configured to suit your family. It takes only one infant car seat, and you can add the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional passenger (though this limits the use to twins). The seat reclines independently and the City Mini GT2 features some of the most nimble handling among double buggies with test drivers reporting it's easy to maneuver up and down kerbs.
Comfort
The fabric and padding of the seat are comfortable for children. Additionally the UPF 50+ canopy are long 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 downside to this model is that it isn't quite as compact as other models. However, our lab experts said it was easy to open and close.
Double buggies are heavier, bulkier and more expensive but they're a great investment for families who have two children of the same age (generally younger than 4). They're also likely to be used for many years, so choose the best brand will last and will hold its value well.
Tandem buggies are originally a single pushchair, however they can be fitted with adaptors that permit you to add an additional seat or carrycot or (in certain cases) a car seat to the frame. Some are fixed doubles but others, like this one by Leclerc, can be converted into a side-by-side layout once your children are old enough.
A side-byside double buggy is usually larger than other types however it is much more maneuverable over kerbs because the weight is distributed more evenly. However, it's not a guarantee to prevent sibling rivalries as children sharing the same seat can punch or kick one another while riding.
A front-facing tandem can be a good alternative to a traditional side-by-side model for older children. It can also lessen the chance of fighting between siblings as your kids are not directly in front of each other. It's worth noting that some kids can feel left out or isolated in a front-facing tandem because they don't have the same view of the world around them.
The egg2 features a sleek, modern design and an attractive price tag. Our testers liked how easy to push, but they would like to have more storage. They also wanted the handlebars were more comfortable. It's suitable from birth and can be used as a twin stroller from newborn. It's not the most affordable double buggy available, however it is competitive in cost and an excellent selling.
Storage
If you have more than one child having a double pushchair from birth will make life much easier when out and out and about. There is a wide range of double strollers available from tandems to side-by-sides in various colours and styles. But, you must think carefully about your family's lifestyle and what features are important to you prior to making a purchase. Evaluating your requirements will help you narrow down your possibilities and pick the best double pram for your needs.
A quality double buggy should be quick, easy to maneuver and should be light. This is especially important if you live in an urban area where you'll require an extra pram to navigate through busy streets and fit into narrow doorways for lunch runs and shopping days out.
Many of the best double buggies have suspension that softens the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces, as well as recline features to help your child is looking to sleep. It is also important that both seats are fitted with comfortable buckles and straps with adjustable leg and foot rests and UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out and reversible seats so that siblings can look at one another or the world around them.
Another factor to consider when choosing a double pushchair is how small it can be when folded. Double buggies are often designed to fold up into an incredibly compact size that is easy to carry and can fit in small spaces like cupboards. Some may be a bit heavier but they will be simple to transport and store.
If you are on an extremely tight budget, you can find double stroller s at a great price. For instance, the Cybex Influencer can be used as a single or a double and includes a basket that is placed under the seat when facing towards parents. It's also light and folds flat, and has a great 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 comes with reversible seats to allow your children to face each other or the world and it can be fitted with a bassinet for newborns.