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 an additional child. There are plenty of options to pick from.
The majority of tandem buggies are configured in a variety of ways. For instance, some models have reversible seats that let siblings face each other or to the side.
Size
It's important to remember that double buggies are typically larger than single buggies. That's why you need to ensure that your chosen buggy fits through your home's doors and is able to easily move up and down kerbs and steps.
Double strollers are available in two main designs which are tandem and side-by-side. Tandem buggies are a good option for parents with twins, whereas side-by-side strollers can be used by children of different ages and can often convert into single-to-double pushchairs by adding an extra seat or carrycot to the frame.
The majority of tandem buggies have seats that face each other and are available in a variety of configurations. This lets your children see one another while riding. If your children are of the same age they may be able to coexist or at least not fight over who has the most comfortable seats. You might find that they are more comfortable sitting together rather than next to each other.
The iCandy Venus is a great option for families with twins, or younger siblings who require seating together. This attractive and budget-friendly buggy also comes with the added bonus of being able to carry an infant car seat as well and grow with your family. iCandy comes with additional accessories, such as fleecy liners to ensure that your newborns stay warm and cozy in their cocoons.
Another great option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair is a popular choice for image-conscious parents, and it can be used as a single or in a double configuration thanks to its movable frame, which has adaptors to fit seats or a carrycot. It's not the most affordable double stroller, but it has distinct features that make it stand out from other strollers. One of them is a large basket that sits behind seat when in the parent-facing position.
Style
Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier. If you're planning to buy one that you intend to be using for a long time be aware of this. However, they offer more storage space, typically with a larger basket for shopping. They typically also come with a parent-facing seat with an extendable sunshade as well as a windows that peek out, as well being reclining seats that can be reclined independently. Some even have a built-in adjustable leg and foot rest that eases any discomfort caused from long walks or long periods of sitting.
The most popular double buggy styles include side-by-sides and tandems. Tandems are designed to have the children seated side-by-side, giving them the same view. This can prevent sibling rivalries about where to sit. However, they're not completely safe, and children can kick or punch each other while riding. Side-by-side is more traditional, with two fixed seats that are mounted on a single, wide stroller frame. They might not have the same number of configurations and are generally recommended for infants who are comfortable sitting unaided but don't require the back support of a car seat.
If you're looking for a lightweight double from birth our lab experts recommend the Cybex Venus. This model is able to be changed from mono to twin by expanding in width. It can be used to accommodate two or one infant seat and/or carrycots. It's also compact when folded, and has a large shopping basket and rear and front suspensions to ensure a smoother ride. The seats as well as the added RumbleSeat are padded and comfortable, with built-in adjustable leg and foot rests and large UPF 50+ canopies that offer plenty of shade.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is a similar value product. Like the Venus one, it's a side by side pushchair that can be configured to fit your family. The pushchair is able to be set to accommodate twins or a single infant seat. You can also add the Baby Jogger Glider Board as a third 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 maneuver up and down kerbs.
Comfort
The seat padding and the fabric are comfortable for both kids, plus the UPF 50+ canopy is large enough to provide real shade, and also offers a cute peekaboo view. The seat reclines in multiple positions,, which our testers appreciated. The only issue with this model is that it's not nearly as compact as some models. However our lab experts stated that it opened and closed easily.
Double buggies are heavier, bulkier, and more expensive, but they're an excellent investment for families who have two children of similar age (generally less than 4). Choose a brand that will last for a long time and will not lose its value.
Tandem buggies begin as a single pushchair and have adaptors that let you add another seat, a carrycot or (in some instances) car seats to the frame. Some are fixed doubles, but others - such as this one made by Leclerc can be converted to a side-by-side configuration when your children are ready to do so.
Although a side-by-side is generally larger than other types of double buggy it is able to move through kerbs, as the weight is distributed more evenly. It's not 100% safe to keep siblings from fighting. Children in the same seat could punch or kick one another while riding.
A front-facing tandem is an alternative to a side-byside model for older kids and can be less prone to sibling squabbles, as your children don't face each other. Some children might feel excluded in a tandem that faces towards the front, since they don't get the same view.
The egg2 is sleek modern design and attractive price tag. Our test subjects liked how easy it was to push but they would like to have more storage. They also wish the handlebars were more comfortable. It's suitable from birth, and can be used in twin mode from newborn, or as the combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats or car seat(s) for twins. It's also the most flexible of our double buggies which is why it's been a MadeForMums popular model since 2009. It's not the most affordable double stroller available, but it is competitively priced and has excellent selling value.
Stores
If you have more than one child, a double pushchair from birth will make your life much easier while out and out and about. There's a broad selection of double strollers available from tandems to side-by-sides in different colors and styles. Before you purchase a product you must consider your family's lifestyle as well as the features that are most important to you. Analyzing your needs will help you narrow down the choices and choose the best double pram for you.
A good double buggy should be nimble and user-friendly. This is particularly important when you live in an urban area and you require a double-buggy that is able to navigate through busy streets and pass through doorways that are narrow for shopping or out for lunch.
A lot of the top double buggies have suspension that softens the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces and a recline feature for those times when your child wants to take a snooze. Both seats should have adjustable foot and leg rests, a UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out, as well as comfortable buckles and straps.
When you are choosing a double stroller it is important to consider how compact the stroller can fold when folded. Certain double buggies can be folded down to a compact size that is easy to carry and will fit in tight spaces like cabinets. Double buggies are made to fold down into a compact size that is easy to carry and fit into small spaces, such as cupboards.
If you are on the tight end of your budget, you can still find double strollers for sale at an affordable price. The Cybex Influencer for instance is a stroller that can be used as an individual stroller or as a double stroller. It also has a basket underneath the seat when it is in the parent-facing position. It is also lightweight, folds flat and has a great resale value.
The UPPAbaby Vista is also an excellent option for families since it can be set up with different seating arrangements and can accommodate two infant car seats. It has reversible seats to allow your children to face either one another or the entire world, and it can also be equipped with a bassinet for newborns.