Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
A double pushchair is a great option if you love long walks with your toddler, and are planning to have another child. There are plenty of options to pick from.
The majority of tandem buggies can be configured in a variety ways. Some tandem buggies have reversible seating that allows siblings to be facing each other, or you.
Size
If you're buying a double pushchair from birth it's important to remember that they're usually bigger than single buggies. That's why you need to ensure that the buggy you select is able to pass through your doors and can easily go up and down kerbs and steps.
Double strollers are typically available in two main formats such as tandem and side-byside. Tandem buggies can be the best option for parents with twins. Side-by-side strollers are suitable for children of all ages, and can be transformed into a double-sized stroller by adding a seat.
Most tandem buggies come with seats that face each other and come in multiple configurations. This allows your children to see one another while riding. If your children are of a similar age to be able to get along (or at least not argue over who has the best seat!) then you may find that they're more comfortable together rather than facing each other.
A great choice for families with twins or younger siblings that need to be seated side-by-side is the iCandy Venus. This beautiful and budget-friendly buggy also comes with the added bonus of being able to take an infant car seat as well and expand with your family. To ensure that your infants are cozy and warm in their cocoons iCandy includes additional accessories that other brands charge separately, such as fleecy liners.
Another great option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair is a favourite among image-conscious parents. It can be used as a single or in a double configuration thanks to its flexible frame with adaptors to add seats or a carrycot. It's not the cheapest double stroller, but it does have certain unique features that distinguish it from other strollers. One of these is a large basket that sits behind the seat when it is in the parent-facing mode.
Style
The majority of double buggies are heavier and bulkier than single models, so bear this in mind if contemplating buying a vehicle that will last for several years. However, they offer more storage space, typically with a larger basket for shopping. These seats also come with a parent facing seat as well as a sunshade which can be extended, as well as an open window. They may also have seats that recline independently. Some even come with an adjustable leg and foot rest which eases any discomfort that is caused by long walks or prolonged periods of sitting.
The most popular double buggy styles include side-by-sides and tandems. Tandems place the children on opposite sides, which gives them both the same view and may help avoid sibling arguments about who sits where. They're not foolproof and children can still kick or punch each other when they are riding. The side-by-side format is more conventional, with two fixed seats mounted on a single, wide stroller frame. They may not offer the same variety of options, and they're usually recommended for infants who have mastered unassisted sitting but don't need the back support of a car seat.
If you're looking for a light 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, taking either two or more carrycots or infant seats. The compact folding design comes with a large shopping basket, front and rear suspension, and a spacious shopping bag 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 offer plenty of shade.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is another good value option. Similar to the Venus one, it's a side by side pushchair that can be set up to suit your family. The pushchair can be set up to accommodate twins or a single infant seat. You can also add the Baby Jogger Glider Board as an additional child. The seat can recline independently, and the City Mini GT2 has some of the most comfortable handling among double buggies. Testers said that it was easy to move through kerbs and up and down.
Comfort
The padding and fabric are comfortable for both kids and adults and adults, and the UPF 50+ canopy is wide enough to offer real shade, and also offers a cute peekaboo view. Our test participants also loved that the seat reclines at a variety of angles. The only issue with this model is that it's not quite as compact as other models. However tandem double stroller reported that it opened and closed easily.
Double strollers are traditionally heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single buggies, but they're an essential investment for families with two children who are close in age (generally under 4). Select a brand that can last for a long time and keep its value.
Tandem buggies begin as one pushchair. They come with adapters that let you add an additional seat, carrycot or (in certain cases) car seats to the frame. Some are fixed doubles, but others - like this one made by Leclerc can be changed to a side-by-side configuration when your children are old enough to be ready for it.
A side-by-side double buggy typically larger than other types however, it's easier to maneuver over kerbs since the weight is distributed more evenly. But it's not 100% reliable to prevent sibling rivalries and children in the same seat may kick or punch each other while riding.
A front-facing tandem can be an alternative to a side-by-side model for older kids and may be less prone to sibling squabbles, as your children don't face each other. Some children may feel excluded when a tandem faces towards the front, since they don't get the same perspective.
The egg2 is a stylish modern and contemporary product at a competitive price. Our testers loved the ease of use and push, but wished it had more storage and that the handlebars were a little more ergonomic. It's suitable from birth, and can be used in twin mode from newborn or in a combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats/car seat(s) for twins. It's the most flexible of our double buggies, which is the reason it's been a MadeForMums favourite since 2009. It's not the most affordable double buggy available, but it comes with a competitive price and a great sales.
Storage
A double pushchair will simplify life for parents with more than one child. There is a wide range of double strollers available from tandems to side-by-sides in different styles and colours. Before you purchase a product it is important to consider your family's lifestyle as well as the features that are most important to you. By assessing your requirements and preferences, you can narrow your options and select the most appropriate double pram.
A good double buggy is quick, easy to maneuver and should be light. This is especially crucial when you live in an urban area where you require a double-buggy that can maneuver through busy streets and pass through doorways that are narrow to go shopping or on lunch runs.
The majority of the top double buggies are equipped with suspension to soften the impact on bumps and uneven surfaces. They also have recline features to allow your child to nap. It is also important that both seats are fitted with straps and buckles that are comfortable with adjustable foot and leg rests UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows, and seats that can be reversible so that siblings can look at each other or the world around them.
When choosing a double stroller it is important to consider how compact the stroller can fold when folded. Some double buggies can be folded down into a compact size that's easy to carry, and fit into small spaces like cabinets. Double buggies are made to fold down into an incredibly compact size that is easy to carry and will fit into small spaces such as cupboards.
If you have a smaller budget to work with There are excellent double strollers at a reasonable price that can be used. The Cybex Influencer, for example is a stroller that can be used as a single stroller or double stroller. It also has a basket underneath the seat when in parent-facing mode. It is also lightweight, folds flat and offers a high resale value.
The UPPAbaby is an excellent option for families as it can be used to accommodate two infant car seats and be configured in a variety of ways. It comes with reversible seats, so your children can face one another or the world. It can also be equipped with a bassinet that is suitable for newborns.