Is Double Pushchair The Best Thing There Ever Was?
Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
Double pushchairs are ideal for families with twins or children with similar ages. Select from side-by-side or tandem models like the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 that's small enough to fit through doors that are standard.
Many models can be used with a baby car seats and include reclining seats. Some models can even be changed to single mode. The egg2 Pushchair is a popular choice for its style and flexibility.
Side by Side
Side-by-side strollers are an ideal option for families with twins or siblings of different age groups. These typically offer 2 fixed seats with a single canopy and they're usually wider than an inline buggy to allow each child the same view. They're easy to move, and some even have front and rear suspension to help with handling bumps or over the kerb when turning.
They can be more expensive than other double buggies, but they have a better resale price, especially if they are a popular brand. These buggies are also great for jogging, and can take on any terrain. The seats offer plenty of room for your children to sit comfortably. Buggies are available in a wide range of colors and designs to fit your family's style.
Some models include extra accessories to help keep your baby snug. These can include baby blankets and seats, liners, and head supports. Some may include pockets for storing snacks and toys. Parents can even get a buggy that has a parent console for keeping important items in one place.
The 2023 version of the popular buggy features a fresh design, a bigger sun canopy and brand new logos. It's a stylish choice for image-conscious parents and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's also easy to put together, although Kerry discovered that it took some time to take all of the parts out of the boxes. The packaging was well-labeled and clever, so it was easy to determine what each piece would look like.
It's heavier than other double buggies but still quite light for an inline model. It's also incredibly versatile, and can be used with two or one infant car seats. It can be transformed from a single seat into a tandem with only one click.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is another top choice for double strollers, and it's ideal for parents who are busy. It's super easy to maneuver through tight spaces and can tackle the tough terrain easily. It comes with a huge basket, independent recline on both seats, and a 5-point padded harness to ensure your children's safety.
Tandem
The clever frame of this pushchair can be expanded width-wise and allows you to add an additional seat without sacrificing space. It's an excellent choice for twins who are born and can take 2 carrycots or car seats too, making it a fantastic travel system for road trips. It's heavier than its rivals and may seem a bit bulky when used in double mode, but it's got plenty of storage space, including a large shopping basket. The iCandy Peach has a sleek and stylish design that's loved by parents who are image-conscious. Its main seat can be repositioned into four different positions and will expand with your child's weight up to 25kg. The addition of a second seat is easy with the quick-release Velcro fastenings, and this model can be used in tandem mode, with one child sitting on the other. It's an excellent option when you have a newborn who you don't want disrupt their sleep.
The seats are placed one in front of the other which makes it difficult for toddlers and their parents to be distracted while out and out and about. This kind of pushchair comes with a padded seat that can recline completely and is suitable for newborns. Some models come with higher and a more upright seat for older children. Based on the design, it is possible to set them facing each other or to the world. It's easier to get through narrow doors with a tandem pushchair however, it can be difficult to get up kerbs and stairs with two kids in tow.
A great option for families with special needs, this versatile pushchair is a great solution for children with disabilities who benefit from having a younger sibling to play with and encourage. It's a bit pricey but the solid construction is made to last, and there's plenty of storage space to store everything you'll need. It comes with a variety of accessories to enable you to customize the buggy to suit the needs of your family, such as rain covers or liner.
Lightweight
The best lightweight double strollers are compact, easy to maneuver and agile. Some models have air-filled tires to help them glide on rough surfaces. Some models come with an easy fold that can be folded with one hand and shoulder straps, making them easier for you to carry. Consider adding extras like a foot muff, a sunshade or rain cover.
If you're looking for a lightweight double buggy that has a reasonable price tag then the Cybex Mios is worth considering. It straddles two categories as it is a fully-functional travel system and a light buggy, and can be used starting at birth with the use of a carrycot. It features the side-by-side design with both seats recline separately. This offers the perfect positioning for babies and young toddlers. It features a spacious UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen through, and the toddler seat is padded with adjustable leg and foot rests.
UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another top contender. It can carry twins or a baby and a toddler, and is compatible with a wide range of car seats. It has an elegant and sleek frame with large wheels at the back that can handle rough terrain. It's also ideal for jogging. The double mode makes it a bit too long, and there's no storage space underneath the seat.
When comparing double pushchairs, consider the weight of the frame, seat and suspension. The heavier the pushchair is, the more difficult it will be to push. This is especially in the case of uneven surfaces. Check the folding dimensions, and if you can remove the seat to make it more compact. Check for features like an easy one-handed fold which home tester Kirstie described as "genius" and a useful strap to sling over your shoulders.
Alternately, you can opt for a tandem double pushchair, which sits children behind each other. It's not as maneuverable as a side-byside, but it's still a great option for many families, and may be more suitable for older toddlers. There are tandems with reclining seats which give children the flexibility to lie down or sit down based on their mood and requirements.
Comfortable
Whether you're a parent of twins or have two siblings close in age, having the right double pushchair will make outings significantly easier. There are many options for comfortable ones on the market. There are a variety of options for families, no matter if you're looking for a side by side model that can fit the carrycot as well as an additional seat or a tandem model with a front and rear seat that can be interchanged.
Make sure you choose a seat with various reclining positions, as well as adjustable calfrests. Typically, these are controlled via easy-to-use one-handed buttons accessible from the back of the seat (though in our testing this could be difficult for parents with small hands). Some of the top double pushchairs also come with an enormous UPF 50+ sun canopy with magnetic peekaboo windows as well as an incredibly useful hood extension to shield your children from harmful UV rays.
Convertible Doubles
A great way to save money is to buy a convertible pushchair that can change from single mode to double as your children develop. The egg2, for example is a chic option that can be used with the toddler seat included or baby carrier right from birth. It comes with a second RumbleSeat for older siblings. Its reclining seats as well as its spacious, comfy carrycots are particularly well-received by testers at home who love the way it can grow with your family.
On the other side, if you're looking for a low-cost option that will last from birth until toddlerhood, try the iCandy Venus. It comes with a footmuff and seat, but it can also be transformed into a twin-sized stroller by using the brand's infant Cocoons (available at a price of PS59 per piece). Our labs loved how simple it is to change between configurations and found the instructions to be clear and simple - though it may take some time to master the process of the box.
Some double pushchairs only allow you to sit with your children in a row and generally face the world however there are a few exceptions such as the Bugaboo Donkey and Mountain Buggy Duet that can be set up for both front and parent facing seating (though this will increase the overall width of the chassis). Kerb popping is typically more straightforward with a tandem, but getting through narrow doors and shopping aisles can prove a challenge at times.