Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you love long walks with your toddler and you are considering having an additional child, a double pushchair can simplify family life. There are plenty of choices to choose from.
Most tandem buggies can be set up in a variety of ways. Some tandem buggies feature reversible seating that allows siblings to sit facing one another, or you.
Size
If you're buying a double pushchair right from the start, it's important to keep in mind that they're usually bigger than single buggies. You should make sure that the buggy is able to fit through the doorways of your house and is capable of easily moving across kerbs and stairs.
Double strollers are available in two main styles: tandem and side-by-side. Tandem buggies are the best option for parents with twins. Side-by-side strollers are ideal for children of all ages and can be transformed into a single-to-double stroller by adding a seat.
Most tandem buggies have seats that face each other and come in various configurations. This allows your children to see one another while riding. However, if your children are close enough in age to be able to get along (or at least not argue over who has the most comfortable seat!) You may find that they prefer facing each other than sitting next to each other.
A great option for families with twins or younger siblings that need to be seated 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. To ensure that single to double buggy are snuggly and warm in their cocoons iCandy includes additional accessories that competitors cost separately, such as fleecy liners.
Another great option for expanding families is the Egg2. This sleek pushchair 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 that has adaptors available to fit seats or a carrycot. It's not the cheapest double stroller available, but it does have some unique features that distinguish it from its competitors, including a large shopping basket that is placed behind the seat in the face-to-parent mode.
Style
Double buggies are heavier and bulkier than single models So keep that in mind if you're looking to purchase a model that will see you through several years. They have more storage space and a bigger basket. They usually also have a parent-facing seat with a sunshade that can be extended and a the peekaboo window, aswell being reclining seats that can be reclined independently. Some even come with an adjustable leg and foot rest that eases any discomfort that is caused by long walks or prolonged periods of sitting.
Tandems, side-by-sides and tandems are the most sought-after types of double buggy. Tandems are designed to have the children placed side by side and give them the same view. It can also help to avoid sibling squabbles over who gets to sit where. They're not foolproof. Children are still able to punch or kick one another when they ride. Side-by-side is more traditional, with two fixed seats positioned on a single, wide stroller frame. They may not have as many configurations and are ideal for infants who can sit without assistance but don't require the back support offered by an infant car seat.
If you're looking for a lightweight double from birth, our lab experts like the Cybex Venus. This innovative model can be converted 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 and front and rear suspension for smoother travel. The seats which include the RumbleSeat are padded, comfortable, and have adjustable leg and footrests. They also have a large UPF 50+ canopy, which provides plenty of shade.
Another good-value choice is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. Similar to the Venus, it's a side-by-side pushchair that is able to be configured to suit 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 reclines independently and the City Mini GT2 features some of the most agile handling among double buggies with test drivers reporting it's easy to maneuver up and down kerbs.
Comfort
The padding and fabric of the seat are both suitable for children. In addition the UPF 50+ canopies are long enough to provide shade, and also have an adorable peekaboo feature. The seat reclines in a variety of positions,, which our testers appreciated. The only downside is that the fold isn't as small as other models, but our lab experts believe it opens and closes easily.
Double buggies weigh more, are bulkier and more expensive however they are a great investment for families with two children who are similar in age (generally younger than 4 years old). Choose a brand that is designed to last for many years and keep its value.
Tandem buggies started out as a single pushchair, however they can be fitted with adaptors that permit the addition of an additional seat or carrycot or (in certain instances) a car seat to the frame. Some are fixed doubles but others, like this one by Leclerc can be converted to a side-by-side configuration when your children are old enough.
A side-by-side double buggy typically bigger than other types of buggy however, it's easier to maneuver over kerbs since the weight is distributed more evenly. But it's not 100% reliable to avoid sibling fights and children in the same seat could punch or kick each other while riding.
A front-facing tandem is an excellent alternative to a side-by-side model for older children. It also decreases the chance of fighting between siblings because your children aren't directly in front of each other. Some children might feel left out when a tandem faces toward the rear, as they don't get the same perspective.
The egg2 is a sleek modern product that comes at a competitive price. Our test subjects liked how easy to push, but wished that it had more storage. They also wanted the handlebars were more ergonomic. It's suitable for babies from birth, and can be used in twin mode from newborn or in the combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats or car seat(s) for twins. It's the most flexible of our double buggies, which is why it's been a MadeForMums favourite since 2009. It's not the most affordable double stroller on the market, but it is competitively priced and has excellent selling value.
Storage
If you have more than one child having a double pushchair from birth will make your life much easier when out and about. There are many different types of double strollers, ranging from tandems to side by sides in a variety of styles and colours. Before purchasing, you should take into consideration 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 choices and select the best double pram.
A good double buggy should be small and easy to use. This is particularly crucial if you live in an urban area where you will need a double stroller that can navigate through busy streets and fit into doorways that are narrow for lunch runs or shopping days out.
The majority of top double buggies are equipped with suspension that softens the impact on bumps and uneven surfaces. They also have recline functions to let your child to nap. Both seats should have adjustable leg and footrests, UPF 50+ canopy with a peekaboo window, and comfy buckles and straps.
When choosing a double stroll it is important to consider the size of the pushchair that it can be when folded. Double buggies are often designed to fold up into smaller sizes that are easy to carry and fit in small spaces like cupboards. Others might be heavier but will still be relatively simple to transport and store.
If you have a less budget, you can find some excellent double strollers at a reasonable price that can do the job. The Cybex Influencer for instance can be used as an individual stroller or as a double stroller. It also comes with a basket underneath the seat when the child is facing it. It's also light and folds flat, and has a great resale value.
The UPPAbaby Vista is an ideal option for families because it can be set up with various seating arrangements and can accommodate two infant car seats. It comes with reversible seats, so that your children can sit facing either one another or the entire world and it can be equipped with a bassinet for newborns.