Choosing a Double Pushchair With Car Seat
Double pushchairs are great for families with twins, or an infant and toddler. Double pushchairs can seat two children in one chair and a carrycot can be added if needed.
They typically come with a large number of seat configurations and can fit through most hallways or doors. They're a bit bigger than side by side buggies but they're much more sturdy and can be used on the kerbs.
Easy to maneuver
When it comes to choosing the best double pushchair for your family there are a few things that you need to consider. It is important to first think about the size and weight and the buggy's folding mechanism, wheels and construction. If you can, buy a double pushchair with car seat from a reputable brand to provide the highest price for resales in the near future.
There are two primary types of double pushchairs: tandem as well as side-by-side. Side-by-side buggies have fixed seats that sit side-by-side, and they can be suitable for twins or children of different age groups. However, they tend to be bigger than single pushchairs, and can be difficult to squeeze through some doors or narrow pathways. In addition, they may be a bit long and heavy to push, especially when the children are in car seats at the front.
Tandem buggies are typically more flexible as they provide a range of seating configurations and options, such as the possibility to have either of the seats facing in the direction of forward or backwards. They tend to be more expensive than side-by-side pushchairs, but they can be easier to manoeuvre and fold. A lot of them have large shopping baskets that can be accessed even when the seats are fully reclined position.
Another important factor to consider is whether the double pushchair has a front wheel that is locked. This will allow you to navigate tricky terrain and transitions while ensuring your children are secure and comfortable. Look at the storage space and whether it is easily accessible. This is important when you have to do a lot of grocery shopping while having two children.
Check how the buckles and straps are to operate before purchasing a double stroller that comes with a car seat. Some buckles are simple and only require one hand to operate and others are more complicated and require two hands. You should also find out if the model has a padded crotch strap as well as shoulder height strap adjustment because these features are crucial for keeping your child safe.
Folding is simple
When choosing a double pushchair and car seat, it's important to consider how easy it is to fold and put away. Even with children in every seat, the most efficient double strollers fold down quickly and easily. They also fit into small spaces, making them perfect for city living and for parents with limited storage.
There are two main types of double pushchairs: side-by-side and tandem. Side-by-side strollers are generally smaller than single strollers, which makes them ideal for manoeuvring in tight doorways and narrow walkways. They can be heavy and long, making them difficult to climb up a hill or on the kerbs. Some models come with an additional seat underneath the chassis, which is useful for shopping or older children who like to sit and look around.
Tandem pushchairs tend to be wider than side-by-side models, and they can be quite long as well. They are extremely versatile and can be made to use with any infant car seats. Some double buggy brands also provide a rumble-seat as well as bassinets for families that are growing. Some of the best-rated double buggy brands provide various configurations.
The weight of the double buggy is also important, particularly if it's going to be used for a newborn baby in a carrycot. Some of the top double stroller s have a large capacity for both seats and some let you add an extra seat on the frame.
To make your child more comfortable, you should look for features like reversible seats or recline options, as well as adjustable legrests. Some of the best double strollers will come with a tray for parents built-in, which can be a great place to keep your keys and phone. They'll typically have at minimum two cup holders as well as an ample basket to store all your shopping. You'll find some models with suspension and a foot break which makes moving the twins easier, especially on uneven terrain.
Easy to store
Look for double strollers that fold in a compact manner. They are generally a bit larger than single buggies, however, they can be able to fit through standard doors and take up less room in your car or boot. Some models come with a carry bag to make storage easier.
A great choice is the UPPAbaby Vista Double. The stroller features a side-by seat layout and comes with a variety of seating configurations that include two infant car seats (car seats and adapters sold separately), as well as a bassinet attachment. It also comes with a huge storage basket with UPF 50 and rain canopies, a telescoping handlebar and comfortable seats. You can also include a riding board to let a third child be part of the fun.
There are plenty of other options to consider, too. Jeep's TwinRoo+ is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts because it can be used either as an individual buggy or double buggy . It comes with air-filled tires and a fantastic suspension. It can also be modified to jogging. However, some parents find that the rumble seat's padding on the back isn't that supportive and that the cup holders on the back of the seat aren't very sturdy.
Another option that is a great choice is an alternative is the Joovy Twin Xpand Car Seat Frame Double, which is similar to the design of the majority of our top award winners. It is small and can fit both infant car seats as well as toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets. This makes it suitable for twins as well as children of different age groups. It can accommodate a third child seat with an additional rumble seat.
A good budget option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, which is affordable and similar in style to some of our more expensive award winners. It can also accommodate an additional seat by adding the option of a rumble chair (sold separately) and comes with the ability to adjust, recline and recline seats and a parent cup holder. It has a limited weight capacity of 50 pounds per seat, meaning it may not be suitable for very tall children.
Comfortable seats
A good double pushchair with car seat can provide comfortable seats for your children. The seats should be cushioned and the harnesses easy to use. The straps must be easily adjustable to height, and the buckles do not require two hands. They must be durable and strong enough to withstand repeated use. If the buckles are difficult to operate, they could be unsafe and should be replaced. Seats should be able to recline easily, and come with a large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The recline feature is ideal for babies who need to rest and older toddlers who prefer to sit and watch the world around them.
Tandem buggies usually start out as a single buggy and have adapters to add a second seat or infant car seat to the frame. They are smaller in size than strollers that are side by side but are too large for certain doorways. They are also heavy and difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs.
Side-by-side buggies, on the other hand are usually smaller than tandem models. They are more user-friendly and can accommodate older twins. However, they are more expensive and may not be able to be able to fit through all doors. The joovy double bundle is a good illustration of a model that can have the seats facing one another, inwards or outwards. It is suitable for infant car seats, and it includes a bassinet.
The majority of the models we tested only required one step to attach and remove the car seat from its frame. This is a huge benefit for parents on the move and don't have the time to play around with multiple steps. Some models, like the Doona or the BOB Revo Flex 3.0 Combo, have a two step attachment that requires pressing into place and strapping on. This additional step gives an error margin and increases the risk that the car seat will be fitted incorrectly. We also observed that a few of the strollers had difficulty in adjusting the crotch strap or shoulder height, and buckles on the car seat were at times difficult to operate.