Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
A double pushchair is a fantastic option if you love long walks with your toddler and you are planning to have another child. Luckily there are many choices to choose from.
The majority of tandem buggies are configured in a variety ways. Some tandem buggies feature seats that can be reversed to allow siblings to face each other, or you.
Size
If you're considering purchasing a double pushchair from birth it's important to remember that these are usually larger than single buggies. Make sure that your buggy can fit into the doors of your home and be capable of easily moving up and over the kerbs and steps.
Double strollers tend to come in two basic forms that are tandem and side-by-side. Tandem buggies are the best option for parents with twins. Side-by-side strollers are suitable for children of all ages, and can be converted into a double-sized stroller by adding seats.
Most tandem buggies have seats that face each other and come in multiple configurations. This lets your children see one another while riding. If your children are of the same age they may be able to get along or at least not fight over who has the most comfortable seats. then you may find that they're more comfortable sitting in a row instead of facing each other.
The iCandy Venus is a great option for families with twins, or younger siblings that need to sit together. This beautiful and affordable buggy also has the added bonus of being able take an infant car seat which means it can expand with your family. To ensure that your infants are snuggly and warm in their cocoons, iCandy includes extra accessories that rival brands charge for separately, like fleecy liners.
Another option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish stroller is a popular choice for image-conscious parents. It can be used as a single unit or in a double configuration thanks to its versatile frame with adaptors for adding a seat or a carrycot. It's not the most cost-effective double stroller, but it does have some unique features which distinguish it from its competitors. One of them is the large basket that is placed behind the seat when it is in the parent-facing mode.
Style
Double buggies tend to be larger and heavier. If you're planning to purchase one that you will use for several years, keep this in mind. However, they do provide more storage space, often with a bigger shopping basket. They also come with a parent facing seat as well as a sunshade which can be extended, as well as a peekaboo window. They may also include seats that can recline independently. Some models have an adjustable foot and leg rest that can be adjusted to relieve any discomfort that is caused by long walking or long periods of sitting.
Tandems, side-by-sides and tandems are the most well-known types of double buggy. Tandems have the children positioned on opposite sides, which gives them both the same view and may help avoid sibling arguments over who should sit where. But they're not completely safe, and children may punch or kick each other while riding. The side-by-side format is more conventional, with two fixed seats positioned on a single, wide stroller frame. They may not offer as many configurations, and they're usually best for babies who have mastered sitting without assistance but don't require the back support of an infant car seat.
Our lab experts recommend the Cybex venus if you are looking for a lightweight, double from birth. This clever model expands widthways in order to change from mono to twin mode, and can accommodate either one or two carrycots and/or infant seats. It's also compact when folded and comes with a large shopping basket as well as front and rear suspension for smoother travel. The seats as well as the added RumbleSeat are cushioned and comfortable with adjustable leg and foot rests and large UPF 50+ canopy that provide plenty of shade.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is a different good value option. Like the Venus model, it's a side-byside pushchair that is able to be configured to suit your family. It is compatible with a single infant car seat, and you can add the Baby Jogger Glider Board for a third passenger (though this limits the usability to twins). The seat can recline independently, and the City Mini GT2 has some of the most comfortable handling among double buggies. Testers noted that it was easy to maneuver through kerbs and up and down.
Comfort
The fabric and padding of the seat are both suitable for children. Additionally the UPF 50+ canopies are long enough to offer shade, and also have an adorable peekaboo feature. Our testers also appreciated that the seat reclines at various angles. The only issue with this model is that it's not nearly as compact as some models. However, our lab experts said it could be opened and closed with ease.
Double buggies are larger, heavier and more expensive, however they are ideal for families with two children who are similar in age (generally less than 4 years old). They're also likely to be used for several years, so you should choose the best brand you can expect to last and which will retain its value.
Tandem buggies are originally a single pushchair, but they come with adaptors that allow the addition of an additional seat or carrycot or (in certain situations) a car seat to the frame. Some of them are fixed doubles, but others - like this one from Leclerc - can switch to a side-by-side arrangement when your children are old enough to be ready for it.
A side-by-side double buggy generally larger than other types, but it is more maneuverable over kerbs as the weight is distributed more evenly. It's not foolproof to keep siblings from fighting. double stroller with bassinet sharing a seat could punch or kick each other while riding.
A front-facing tandem could 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 facing each other. Some children might feel left out when a tandem faces forward, as they don't have the same perspective.
The egg2 is a sleek modern and contemporary product at competitive pricing. Our testers liked how easy it was to push, but they would like to have more storage. They also wanted the handlebars were more ergonomic. It's suitable from birth, and can be used in twin mode as early as newborn, or as the combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats/car seat(s) for twins. It's also the most flexible of our double buggies, which is why it's been a MadeForMums favourite since 2009. It's not the cheapest double stroller available however it's competitively priced and has a high potential for resales.
Stores
A double pushchair will simplify life if you have more than one child. There are a variety of double strollers, from tandems to side by side in various styles and colours. Before making a purchase, you should take into consideration your family's lifestyle as well as the features that are most important to you. The process of assessing your needs will allow you narrow down the options and select the right double pram for you.
A quality double buggy must be light and easy to use. This is especially crucial when you live in a city area where you require a double buggy that can navigate busy streets and fit through doorways that are narrow to go to the shops or for lunch runs.
Most of the best double buggies are equipped with suspension to soften the impact on bumps and uneven surfaces. They also come with recline features for when your child wants to nap. It is also important that both seats come with comfortable buckles and straps that can be adjusted, adjustable foot and leg rests, UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows and reversible seats so siblings can face each other and the world around them.
When choosing a double stroll it is important to consider how compact the pushchair can be when folded. Some double buggies can be folded down into a compact size that's easy to carry, and will fit in small spaces like cabinets. Some double buggies are designed to fold up into smaller sizes that are easy to carry and will fit in small spaces like cupboards.
If you have a smaller budget There are great value double strollers that will do the job. The Cybex Influencer is one example can be used as a single stroller or double stroller. It also has an under-seat basket when the child is facing it. It's also light and can be folded flat and has a huge resale potential.
The UPPAbaby is an excellent choice for families, as it can be used to accommodate two infant car seats and be configured in various ways. It can be set up with reversible seats so that your children can face one another or the world. It is also equipped with a bassinet that is for a newborn baby.