Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you love long walks with your toddler and you are contemplating having an additional child, a double pushchair will simplify your family's life. Luckily there are many options to choose from.
The majority of tandem buggies are configured in a variety of ways. For example, some have reversible seats that let siblings face one another or the other.
Size
If you're purchasing a double pushchair right from the start, it's worth bearing in mind that they're usually bigger than single buggies. That's why you need to make sure that the buggy you choose fits through your home's doors and is able to easily move between kerbs and steps.
Double strollers are available in two styles that are tandem and side by side. Tandem buggies can be a good choice for parents with twins. Side-by-side strollers are ideal for children of all ages, and can be converted to a single-to-double stroller by adding seating.
Most tandem buggies are designed with seats facing each other and provide a variety of seat configurations, allowing your children to see each other when they ride. If your children are a similar age they might be able to get along or at least not fight about who gets the most comfortable seats. You may find that they are more comfortable sitting together rather than close to one another.
A great option for families with twins or younger siblings that need to sit side by side is the iCandy Venus. This beautiful, affordable buggy can also be used with an infant car seat so it can grow with your family. iCandy comes with extra accessories, such as fleecy liners, to ensure that your infants stay warm and cozy in their cocoons.
Another option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair is a popular choice for image-conscious parents. It can be used as a single or as a double due to its versatile frame that has adaptors available to add a seat or carrycot. It's not the cheapest double stroller, however it does come with certain unique features that make it stand out from other strollers. One of these is a large basket that sits behind seat when in the parent-facing mode.
Style
Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier. If you are planning to buy one that you intend to be using for a long time, keep this in mind. However, they do provide more storage space, usually with a bigger shopping basket. They also typically feature a parent-facing seat with an extendable sunshade and peekaboo window, as well with seats that recline independently. Some even have a built-in adjustable foot and leg rests that eases any discomfort that is caused by long walks or prolonged periods of sitting.
The most popular double buggy styles are side-bysides and tandems. Tandems are designed with children sitting side-by-side and sharing the same perspective. This helps avoid sibling rivalries over where to sit. However, they're still not completely safe, and children are able to punch or kick each other while riding. Side-by-sides are a classic format, with two fixed seats that are affixed to the same frame of a stroller. They don't offer the same number of configurations, and they're usually best for babies who are comfortable sitting unaided but don't need the back support of an infant car seat.
If you're looking for a light double from birth, our lab experts like the Cybex Venus. This innovative model can be transformed from mono to twin mode by expanding the width. It can be used to accommodate one or two infant seats and/or carrycots. The compact folding design comes with a large shopping basket, front and rear suspension, and a spacious shopping bag for a smoother ride. The seats as well as the added RumbleSeat are comfortable and padded with adjustable leg and foot rests and generous UPF 50+ canopy that provide plenty of shade.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is a different good value option. It's a side by side pushchair that's similar to the Venus. It is possible to configure it to meet your requirements. It takes one car seat for infants, and you can add the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional passenger (though this limits the use to twins). The seat can recline independently and the City Mini GT2 has some of the best maneuverability among double buggies. Testers said that it was easy to move between kerbs.
Comfort
The fabric and padding of the seat are both suitable for children. In addition, the UPF 50+ canopy are long enough to offer shade, and also have an adorable peekaboo feature. The seat can recline in a variety of positions, which our testers loved. The only drawback to this model is that it's not quite as compact as other models. However our lab experts stated that it was easy to open and close.
Double buggies are larger, heavier and more expensive but they're a great investment for families with two children who are similar in age (generally younger than 4). Select a brand that can last for many years and keep its value.
Tandem buggies are originally one-person pushchairs, but they have adaptors which allow you to add an additional seat or carrycot or (in certain cases) the car seat to the frame. Some are fixed doubles, but others - such as this one made by Leclerc can be converted to a side-by-side arrangement when your children are ready to do so.
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 foolproof for avoiding sibling squabbles 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-byside model for older kids. It is less susceptible to squabbles between siblings, since your children don't face each one another. It's important to note that some kids can feel left out or isolated when they're in a front-facing tandem as they won't have the same view of their surroundings.
The egg2 has a sleek, modern design and an attractive price. Our test participants liked how simple it was to push, but wished that it had more storage. They also wish the handlebars were more ergonomic. It is suitable from birth and can be used as a twin stroller from the time of birth. It's not the cheapest double buggy on the market but it has a competitive cost and an excellent sales.
Storage
If you have more than one child having a double pushchair from birth will make your life much easier while out and out and about. There are a myriad of types of double strollers, from tandems to side by sides in a variety of 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 you will be able to narrow your options and select the most suitable double pram.
A quality double buggy must be light and easy to use. This is especially important if you are living in a city 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 top double buggies come with suspensions to cushion the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces. They also have recline features to allow your child to lie down. It is also crucial that both seats have comfortable straps and buckles with adjustable foot and leg rests, UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows and reversible seats to allow siblings to face each other and the world around them.
Another factor to consider when selecting a double pushchair is how small it is when folded. Certain double buggies are able to be folded into a small size that is easy to carry and fit into tight spaces such as cabinets. Some double buggies are designed to fold down into smaller sizes that are easy to carry and fit in small spaces like cupboards.
If you're on the tight end of your budget, you can still find double strollers at a great price. The Cybex Influencer for instance is a stroller that can be used as a single stroller or double stroller. It also comes with a basket under the seat when in parent-facing mode. It is lightweight and folds flat. It also has a very high resale cost.
The UPPAbaby Vista is also an ideal choice for families as it can be configured with various seating arrangements and accommodates two infant car seats. It comes with reversible seats, so that your children can sit facing either one another or the entire world. It can also be equipped with a bassinet for newborns.