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. Choose from side-by-side configurations or tandem models like the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 that's slim enough to pass through standard doorways.
Many models also have reclining seats that lay flat and are compatible with infant car seats. Some models can even be converted to single mode. The egg2 Pushchair is a favorite because of its design and flexibility.
Side by Side
Side-by-side strollers are an ideal option for families with twins or siblings of various age. They typically have two fixed seats with a single canopy and they're usually wider than an inline buggy to give both children the same view. They are simple to maneuver and even have front and rear suspensions for better control when traversing kerbs or bumps.
While they can cost more than other types of double buggies, they tend to have a higher resale value particularly if you select a well-known brand. They're ideal for jogging and can tackle rough terrain, and the seats provide plenty of space for your kids to relax. These buggies come in a variety of colours and styles to fit your family's taste.
Some models come with extra accessories that can help keep your baby snug. They can include baby blankets and cushions for seats, liners and head supports. They might also have pockets to store snacks and toys. Parents can find the perfect buggy that features a console that keeps important items close by.
The popular model's 2023 version features a new design and a bigger sun canopy, and new logos. It's a stylish choice for parents who are conscious of their image and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's also easy to put together, although Kerry found it did take quite a while to get all of the parts out of the boxes. The packaging was well-labeled and clever making it easy to know what each part would be similar to.
It's heavier than other double buggies but still quite light for an inline-model. It's also extremely versatile, and you can use it with one or two infant car seats. It can also switch from a single to a tandem in one click, which is a big advantage for families with growing children.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is another top pick for double strollers, and it's perfect for busy parents. It's easy to maneuver and is able to cope with rough terrain. It also comes with a large shopping basket, independent recline for both seats, and a cushioned 5-point harness to keep your children secure.
Tandem
This innovative frame can be expanded in size, allowing a second seat to be added without taking up space. This is a great choice for twins, as it can fit two carrycots or a car seat. It's also a great travel system for road trips. It's a bit larger and heavier than some of its competitors, however it provides plenty of storage space including an enormous shopping basket. The iCandy Peach has a sleek and stylish design that's popular with parents who are image-conscious. Its reclining main seat also can be adjusted to four different positions, and it will expand with your child's weight up to 25kg. The quick-release Velcro fastenings make it easy to add an additional seat. This model can also be used in tandem mode, placing one child on the other. This is an excellent option for parents who want to keep from disturbing your sleepy newborn.
The seat is positioned one in front of the other in this configuration and it's harder for toddlers to distract one another when you're out and out and. This type of pushchair has a padded seat that can fully recline and is suitable for infants. Some models have a higher and more upright seat in the back for older children, and it's usually possible to set them to face one another or face each other depending on the design of the pushchair. It's much easier to maneuver through narrow doors with a tandem pushchair, but it can be hard to nip up kerbs and stairs with two kids in the back.
This multi-purpose pushchair is a great option for families with children with special needs. It's a great solution for kids with disabilities who benefit from a younger sibling to play 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 that allow you to personalize the buggy to meet the needs of your family for example, rain covers or liners.
Lightweight
The best lightweight double strollers are compact easily maneuverable and nimble. They're usually made of a sturdy aluminium frame, and some have air-filled wheels that allow them to glide over even rough surfaces. Some models come with one-handed folds and shoulder straps, making them more convenient to carry. You can also consider adding accessories such as an ankle muff, a sunshade or rain cover.
If you're after a lightweight double buggy that has a reasonable price, then the Cybex Mios is worth considering. It straddles two categories as it's a complete travel system and a lightweight buggy that is suitable starting at birth with the use of the carrycot. It has the side-by-side design with the two seats recline independently. This allows for the ideal position for infants and toddlers. It features a spacious UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen through and the toddler seat is fully cushioned with foot and leg rests that can be adjusted.
UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another top contender. It can accommodate twins, or a baby and toddler. It can be used with a variety of car seats. It has an elegant and sleek frame with large wheels on the back to handle rough terrain. It's ideal for jogging. The double mode can make it a little long, and there is no storage space underneath the seat.
When comparing double pushchairs, take into consideration the weight of the frame, seat and suspension. The heavier the buggy, the harder it'll be to push, particularly on uneven surfaces. Then check the folding dimensions and whether or not you are able to remove the seats, which makes it more compact. Check for features such as a one-handed folding mechanism, which Kirstie who was a home tester at the time described as "genius" or straps that you can sling over your shoulder.
You can also opt for a tandem double stroller, that places the children one behind another. It's not as easy to maneuver as a side-by-side, but it's still a good option for families with multiple children and is suitable for older toddlers. Certain tandems come with reclining seats that let children lay down or sit up depending on their mood.
Confortable
The right double pushchair can make your outings easier no matter if you have twins or two children of similar ages. There are a variety of comfortable options available on the market. There are many options for families, whether you're searching for a side-by- side model that can accommodate both a carrycot seat and seats or a tandem model with seats in the front and back that can be switched.
In addition to buckles, straps with padding and headrests, look for seats with multiple reclining positions and adjustable Calf rests. Often, these will be operated with one-handed buttons accessible from the back of the seat (though in our labs this could be difficult for parents with small hands). Some of the top double pushchairs come with an extensive UPF 50+ sun canopy, with magnetic peekaboo windows as well as an easy-to-use hood extender that can protect your children from harmful UV radiation.
Convertible Doubles
You can save money by purchasing the pushchair that can convert from single to dual mode as your child grows. The egg2, as an example, is a stylish option that can be used right from birth with the included baby or toddler carrier and also comes with an RumbleSeat second add-on for older siblings. The reclining seats and large carrycots were particularly well received by home testers who loved how it could grow with your family.
If you're looking for an affordable option that will last to toddlerhood and beyond, the iCandy Venus is a great option. It includes a footmuff as well as a seat, but can be converted into a twin-sized pram using the brand's new Cocoons (available at a price of just PS59). Our labs were impressed by the ease of use to switch between different configurations. They also found the directions to be simple and clear however it might take some practice.
Some double pushchairs permit you to seat your children side by side and are generally oriented towards the world. However, there are a few notable exceptions like the Bugaboo Donkey or Mountain Buggy Duet that can be set up with both front and parent facing (though this will increase overall width of the chassis). Tandems are generally more maneuverable around kerbs, but it can be a struggle to navigate through narrow doors and aisles.