Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
A double pushchair is an excellent option for those who enjoy long walks with your toddler and plan to have an additional child. Luckily there are many options to pick from.
The majority of tandem buggies are configured in a variety ways. For instance, some models have seats that are reversible, allowing siblings to face one another or the other.
Size
It is important to keep in mind that double buggies are typically larger than single buggies. It is important to ensure that the buggy is able to fit into the doors of your home and be able to easily maneuver up and over kerbs and stairs.
Double strollers tend to come in two basic forms such as tandem and side-byside. Tandem buggies can be a great option for parents with twins, while side-byside strollers can be used with children of different ages. They are often converted into single-to-double pushchairs, by adding an extra seat or carrycot to the frame.
Most tandem buggies are designed with the seats facing one another and provide a variety of seat configurations, allowing your children to see each other while they ride. However, if your kids are of a similar age to get along (or at least not fight over who gets the most comfortable seat!) cheap double pushchair may find they prefer facing each other than sitting next to one another.
A great choice for families with twins or younger siblings who require to sit side by side is the iCandy Venus. This beautiful, affordable buggy can also be used in conjunction with an infant car seat so that it can grow along with your family. iCandy includes extra accessories, like fleece liners, which will ensure that your baby stays warm and snug in their cocoons.
Egg2 is a different option for families growing. This stylish stroller is a favourite among image-conscious parents, and it can be used as a single unit or as a double due to its flexible frame with adaptors to fit a seat or carrycot. It's not the cheapest double stroller, but it has some unique features which distinguish it from the rest of the market. One of these is a large basket that sits behind the seat when it's in the parent-facing position.
Style
Double buggies are heavier and bulkier than single models So keep this in mind if planning on buying one that will see you through many years. However, they do provide more storage space, typically with a bigger basket for shopping. They also come with a child-facing seat, a sunshade that can be extended and an open window. They could also have seats that recline independently. Some models come with an adjustable foot and leg rest that can be adjusted to alleviate any discomfort caused by walks or prolonged sitting.
The most well-known double buggy styles are side-bysides and tandems. Tandems are designed with children seated side-byside and sharing the same view. This can prevent siblings fighting over seating. They're not foolproof, and children are still able to punch or kick each other while riding. Side-by-side is more conventional and has two fixed seats positioned on a single, wide stroller frame. They might not come with as many options and are ideal for infants who are able to sit on their own but don't require the back support provided by an infant car seat.
Our lab experts recommend the Cybex Venus if you're looking for a lightweight, double from birth. This innovative model can be transformed from mono to twin by expanding the width. It can accommodate two or one infant seat or carrycots. The compact folding design comes with a large shopping basket, rear and front suspension, and a large shopping bag for a more comfortable ride. The seats and the optional RumbleSeat are cushioned and comfortable, with built-in adjustable leg and foot rests and large UPF 50+ canopies that provide plenty of shade.
Another good-value choice is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. It's a side-by-side pushchair that's similar to the Venus. You can configure it to meet your needs. The pushchair can be configured to accommodate twins or an infant seat. You can also add the Baby Jogger Glider Board as a third child. The seat can recline independently, and the City Mini GT2 has some of the most comfortable handling among double buggies. Testers said that it was easy to maneuver through kerbs and up and down.
Comfort
The seat padding and fabrics are a comfortable fit for both children and adults, plus the UPF 50+ canopy is large enough to provide real shade, and also offers a cute peekaboo view. 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 stated that it could be opened and closed with ease.
Double strollers are generally heavier, bulkier and more expensive than single buggies, however they're a great investment for families with two children that are close in age (generally less than 4 years old). Choose a brand that is designed to last for a long time and retain its value.
Tandem buggies started out as a single pushchair, however they come with adaptors that allow the addition of an additional seat, carrycot, or (in certain cases) a car seat to the frame. Some are fixed doubles, but others, such as this one made by Leclerc can be changed to a side-by-side configuration when your children are old enough.
While a side-by-side is typically wider than other types of double buggy it is able to maneuver through kerbs, as the weight is spread more evenly. It's not a guarantee to avoid sibling fights. Children sharing a seat may punch or kick one another while riding.
A front-facing tandem is an excellent alternative to a side by side model for older children. It can also reduce the possibility of sibling rivalries because your children aren't directly facing eachother. Some children may feel left out in a tandem that faces forward, as they don't have the same view.
The egg2 features a sleek, modern design and an attractive price. Our testers were impressed by how easy it is to push, but wished it had more storage space and that the handlebars were more comfortable. It is suitable from birth and can be used in twin mode as early as newborn, or as a combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats or 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 least expensive double stroller on the market, but it is competitively priced and offers a great selling value.
Stores
A double pushchair can simplify your life for parents with more than one child. There is a wide range of double strollers available from tandems to side-by-sides in different styles and colours. However, you should consider your family's lifestyle and the features that are important to you prior to buying a new one. The process of assessing your needs will allow you narrow down your possibilities and pick the best double pram for you.
A quality double buggy must be light and easy to use. This is especially crucial if you live within an urban area where you will need a double stroller that can navigate through busy streets and fit into doorways that are narrow for shopping and lunch days out.
A lot of the top double buggies have suspension that will soften the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces, and also recline options for when your little one wants to take a snooze. The seats should be able to adjust leg and footrests, UPF 50+ canopy with a peekaboo window, and comfy straps and buckles.
When you are choosing a double stroller, you should also consider how compact the stroller can be when folded. Certain double buggies can be folded down to a compact size that's easy to carry and can be tucked away in tight spaces like cabinets. Others might be heavier but they'll still be easy to transport and store.
If you are on a tight budget, you can still find double strollers at an affordable price. For instance the Cybex Influencer can be used as a single or a double, and it comes with an under-seat basket that can be placed underneath the seat when facing towards parents. It is light and folds flat. It also has a very high resale cost.
The UPPAbaby is a great option for families because it can fit two infant car seats and be set up in a variety of ways. It can be set up with reversible seats so that your children can either face one another or the world. It can also be equipped with a bassinet that is for a newborn baby.