Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
If you're expecting twins or two kids close in age, a double pushchair offers you the flexibility you need to accommodate your growing family. Select from tandem models or side-by-side designs like the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 which is small enough to fit through standard doors.
Many models are compatible with an infant car seat and have reclined seats. Some models can even be changed to single mode. The egg2 Pushchair is a well-loved choice because of its design and flexibility.
Side by Side
Side-by-side strollers are a classic option for families with twins or siblings of different age groups. They typically have two fixed seats and one canopy. They're also a bit more spacious than inline buggy models to allow both children to observe the same things. They're easy to navigate, and some come with front and rear suspensions to help with handling bumps or over the kerb when turning.
While they can cost more than other types of double buggies but they tend to be more resale-worthy when you purchase an established brand. These buggies are also great for jogging and take on any terrain. The seats offer plenty of room for your kids to relax comfortably. Buggies are available in a range of colors and styles to fit your family's taste.
Some models include extra accessories to help keep your baby comfortable. These include baby blankets and seats, liners, and head supports. They might also have pockets for storing snacks and toys. Parents can choose an infant buggy with a console that keeps important items close by.
The 2023 version of this popular buggy features a fresh design with a larger sun canopy and fresh logos. It's a stylish choice for parents who want to look their best and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's also simple to put together but Kerry found it did take some time to take all of the parts out of the boxes. The packaging was well-labeled and clever making it easier to understand what to expect out of each part.
It's heavier than other double buggies, but still fairly light for an inline-model. It is also very versatile and can be used with either one or two infant car seats. It can even change from a single to a tandem with a single click and is a huge bonus for growing families.
The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great double stroller for busy parents. It's super easy to maneuver through tight spaces and handles tough terrain easily. It comes with a large basket, an independent recline on both seats, and a five-point padded harness to keep your children safe.
Tandem
The clever frame of this pushchair is able to expand widthways and allows you to add a second seat without compromising space. It's a great option for twins as young as birth, and will take 2 carrycots or car seats too and is a great travel system for road trips. It's a little heavier than its rivals and may appear to be a bit long when in double mode but it's got plenty of storage, including a roomy shopping basket. The iCandy Peach has a sleek and stylish design that's popular with parents who are image-conscious. Its main seat can be adjusted into four different positions, and it will grow with your child up to 25kg. The addition of a second seat is simple thanks to the quick-release Velcro fastenings, and this model can be used in tandem mode, with one child seated on the other. It's an excellent option for sleepy babies that you don't want to disturb during their sleep.
The seat is positioned one in front of the other in this setup and it's more difficult for toddlers to be distracted from one another when you're out and about. This type of pushchair typically features a padded seat that is able to recline completely, so it's suitable for newborns. A lot of models have a higher and more upright seat in the back for older children. It's usually possible to set them to face each other or world facing depending on the design of buggy. With a tandem pushchair it's easier to fit through doorways that are narrow, however it may be difficult to negotiate kerbs and stairs with two children.
This multi-purpose pushchair is a great choice for families with children who have special needs. It's a great option for kids with disabilities who benefit from having a younger sibling with whom they can play and encourage. It's a bit pricey but the solid construction is designed to last and has plenty of storage space for everything you'll require. It comes with a range of accessories that will allow you to customize the buggy for your family, like rain covers and liners.
Lightweight
The most lightweight double strollers are compact easy to maneuver and nimble. They're typically constructed of a sturdy aluminium frame, and some have air-filled wheels that help them move over rough surfaces. Some models have one-handed folds and shoulder straps that make them more convenient to carry. You can also consider adding accessories such as a foot muff, a rain cover or a sunshade.
The Cybex Mios is a lightweight double stroller with low cost. It's a travel system that can be used as a lightweight stroller as well as a functional travel system. A carrycot can be added to make it suitable for use from the time of birth. It is an aesthetically pleasing side-by-side design with both seats recline separately. This allows for the ideal positioning for babies and young toddlers. It comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen through and the toddler seat is padded with adjustable foot and leg rests.
UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another top contender. It can be used to carry twins or a baby with a toddler. It is compatible with many car seats. It features a sleek and stylish frame with large rear wheels to cope with rough terrain. It's also suitable for running. look at this now can be a bit long when it's used in double mode, and there's no storage space underneath the seat.
When comparing double pushchairs, be aware of the weight of each seat as well as the frame and suspension. The heavier the buggy is, the more difficult it will be to push, particularly on uneven surfaces. Check the folding dimensions, and then see if you can take off the seat to make it more compact. Look for features like an easy one-handed fold which test-run tester Kirstie described as "genius", and a convenient strap to sling over your shoulders.
You can also opt for a tandem double stroller, which places the children one behind another. It's not as maneuverable, but still an excellent option for many families. It might be better suited to older toddlers. You'll also find some tandems that have reclining seats that allow children to sit up or lie down depending on their mood and needs.
Comfortable
Whether you're a parent of twins or have two siblings close in age, having the right double pushchair will make outings a whole lot simpler. There's a great variety of comfortable choices 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 both a carrycot seat and seats or a tandem model with a front and rear seat that can be switched.
In addition to buckles, straps, padded straps and headrests, look for seats that have multiple recline positions and adjustable Calf rests. Typically, these are controlled via easy-to-use one-handed buttons that are accessible from the back of the seat (though in our testing this could be a little fiddly for parents with small hands). Some of the top double strollers come with an enormous UPF50+ sun canopy, a magnetic peekaboo windows, and a useful hood extension that shields your child from harmful UV rays.
Convertible Doubles
One way to save money is to invest in an adjustable pushchair that can change from single mode to double mode as your children develop. The egg2, as an example, is a chic option that can be used from birth using the toddler or baby carrier and even offers an RumbleSeat additional option for older siblings. The reclining seats and large carrycots were adored by home testers who loved the possibility of it growing with your family.
On the other the other hand, if you're searching for a budget option that will last from birth to toddlerhood, consider the iCandy Venus. It includes a seat as well as a footmuff but can be combined with the brand's newborn cocoons (available separately for a price of just PS59) to turn it into a twin pram that is suitable for twins or babies/toddlers. Our labs loved the ease of being able to switch between configurations. They also found the directions to be clear and straightforward however it might require some time to master.
Some double pushchairs allow you to sit your children side-by-side. They generally face the world, but there are some exceptions, such as the Bugaboo Donkey and Mountain Buggy Duet that can be configured to have both front and rear facing seating (though this can result in an increase in the overall size of the chassis). Kerb popping is typically more straightforward with a tandem, but getting through narrow doors and aisles for shopping can be an issue at times.