Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you enjoy long walks with your toddler and you are considering having a second child, a double pushchair will simplify family life. There are plenty of options to choose from.
The majority of tandem buggies can adapt to a variety of configurations. Some tandem buggies have seats that can be reversed to allow siblings to be facing each other or even you.
Size
If you're buying a double pushchair from birth it's important to keep in mind that they're usually bigger than single buggies. It is important to ensure that your buggy fits into the doors of your home and be capable of moving easily across kerbs and stairs.
Double strollers are typically available in two basic forms: tandem and side-by-side. Tandem buggies are a good choice for parents with twins. Side-by-side strollers work for children of all ages, and can be transformed into a double-sized stroller by adding seats.
Most tandem buggies are designed with seats facing each other and offer a variety of seat configurations allowing your children to see each other as they ride. However, if your kids are close enough in age to be able to get along (or at the very least not fight over who gets the most comfortable seat!) then you may find that they're more comfortable together rather than facing each other.
A great option for families with twins or younger siblings who require to sit side by side is the iCandy Venus. This attractive, affordable buggy can also be used with an infant car seat so that it can grow with your family. To ensure that your infants are cozy and warm in their cocoons, iCandy also comes with additional accessories that other brands cost separately, such as fleecy liner.
Egg2 is another great option for families who are growing. This stylish pushchair, that is popular with parents who are image-conscious, can be used either as a single stroller or double stroller thanks to its adaptors that allow you to add a seat or carrycot. It's not the most affordable double stroller on the market however it does come with unique features that distinguish it from competitors, including the large shopping basket that can be placed behind the seat in the face-to-parent mode.
Style
Most double buggies are heavier and bulkier than single buggies, so bear that in mind if you're planning on buying one that will last several years. However, they offer more storage space, typically with a bigger basket for shopping. They typically also come with seating that is facing the parent, with an extendable sunshade as well as a windows that peek out, as well with seats that recline independently. Some even have a built-in adjustable leg and foot rest which eases any discomfort caused by long walks or prolonged periods of sitting.
Tandems, side-by-sides and tandems are the most popular styles of double buggy. Tandems are designed to have the children placed side by side, which gives them both the same view and can aid in avoiding sibling fights over who should sit where. However, they're still not foolproof, and kids can kick or punch each on the other while they're riding. Side-by-sides are a more traditional format, with two fixed seats arranged on the same frame of a stroller. They may not offer as many options and are best for babies who are able to sit on their own but do not need the back support offered by an infant car seat.
Our lab experts recommend the Cybex venus if you are looking for a light double from birth. This clever model expands widthways to convert from mono to twin mode, taking either two or one carrycot or infant seats. The compact folding design includes a large shopping basket, rear and front suspension, and a spacious shopping bag to ensure a smoother ride. The seats and the add-on RumbleSeat are comfortable and padded, with built-in adjustable leg and foot rests and large UPF 50+ canopy which offer plenty of shade.
Another option that is a good value is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. It's a side by side pushchair that's similar to the Venus. It is possible to configure it to meet your requirements. It can accommodate one car seat for infants, and you can add the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional passenger (though this limits the use to twins). The seat can be reclined independently and the City Mini GT2 features some of the most fluid handling among double buggies with testers reporting it's easy to maneuver up and down kerbs.
Comfort
The fabric and padding of the seat are both comfortable for children. In addition the UPF 50+ canopies are long enough to offer shade, and also have the cute peekaboo feature. Our test subjects also liked that the seat reclines at a variety of angles. The only downside to this model is that it isn't quite as compact as other models. However, our lab experts said it opened and closed easily.
Double strollers are generally heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single buggies, but they're a must-have for families with two kids that are close in age (generally less than 4 years old). They're likely to be used for a number of years, so you should choose an excellent brand that you can count on to last for a long time and that will keep its value.
Tandem buggies started out as one-person pushchairs, but they can be fitted with adaptors that permit you to add an additional seat or carrycot or (in certain instances) an automobile seat to the frame. Some of them are fixed doubles, however others - like this one made by Leclerc can be converted to a side-by-side configuration when your children are old enough to be ready for it.
Although a side-by-side is generally larger than other double buggy types, it can be easier to move up and down kerbs as the weight is spread more evenly. It's not 100% safe to keep siblings from fighting. Children in the same seat can kick or punch each other while riding.
A front-facing tandem is an excellent alternative to a side-by-side model for older children. It can also lessen the possibility of sibling rivalries as your kids are not directly in front of each other. single to double buggy to note that some kids can feel isolated or lonely in a front-facing tandem, as they won't have the same view of their surroundings.
The egg2 is a stylish modern product that comes at an affordable price. Our testers liked how easy it was to push, but they wished it had more storage. They also wish the handlebars were more comfortable. It is suitable from birth and can be used in twin mode from newborn, or as the combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats/car seat(s) for twins. It's the most flexible of our double buggies, which is why it's been a MadeForMums popular model since 2009. It's not the cheapest double stroller available however it's competitively priced and has excellent resale value.
Storage
A double pushchair will make life easier for you when you have more than one child. There are a variety of double strollers, ranging from tandems to side by side with a variety of styles and colors. Before you purchase a product it is important to take into consideration your family's lifestyle as well as the features that are most important to you. By assessing your requirements, you can narrow down your choices and select the best double pram.
A good double buggy should be light and easy to use. This is particularly crucial if you live in an urban setting where you will need a double stroller that can navigate through busy streets and fit into narrow doors for lunch runs or shopping days out.
The best double buggies come with suspension that will soften the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces and also a recline feature for when your little one wants to take a snooze. Both seats should have adjustable footrests and leg rests, UPF 50+ canopy, with a peekaboo window, and comfy straps and buckles.
When choosing a double stroll it is important to consider the size of the pushchair that it can fold when folded. Certain double buggies are designed to fold up into a compact size that is easy to carry and can fit in small spaces like cupboards. Some double buggies are designed to fold up into a compact size that is easy to carry and can fit in small spaces like cupboards.
If you're on a tight budget, you can still find double strollers at the lowest price. The Cybex Influencer, for example is a stroller that can be used as an individual stroller or as a double stroller. It also comes with a basket underneath the seat when in parent-facing mode. It's also light and folds flat, and has a great resale value.
The UPPAbaby is a fantastic option for families as it can be used to accommodate two infant car seats and be set up in various ways. It comes with reversible seats, so that your children can sit facing each other or the world. It can also be equipped with a bassinet for newborns.