Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you love long walks with your toddler and you are contemplating having the birth of a second child, a double pushchair will simplify your family's life. Luckily there are many options to pick from.
Most tandem buggies are able to adapt to different configurations. For instance, some come with reversible seats that let siblings face one another or the other.
Size
If you're considering purchasing a double pushchair at birth, it's important to remember that they're usually bigger than single buggies. You should make sure that your buggy fits through the doors of your home and is capable of moving easily up and over the kerbs and steps.
Double strollers come in two main designs which are tandem and side by side. Tandem buggies can be a great option for parents with twins, whereas side-by-side strollers can be used with children of various ages and can often convert into single-to-double pushchairs, by adding an extra seat or carrycot to the frame.
Most tandem buggies are built with seats facing one another. They also offer a variety of seat configurations allowing your children to see each other when 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 has the most comfortable seat!) You may find they prefer sitting together rather than next to each other.
The iCandy Venus is a great option for families with twins, or younger siblings who need to sit together. This beautiful, affordable buggy can also be used in conjunction with an infant car seat, so it can expand with your family. iCandy comes with additional accessories, such as fleecy liners to ensure that your newborns stay warm and snug in their cocoons.
Another option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair is a popular choice for image-conscious parents, and it can be used as a single or in a double thanks to its movable frame with adaptors to add a seat or carrycot. It's not the most affordable double stroller on the market however it does come with distinctive features that distinguish it from its competitors, including a large shopping basket that sits behind the seat when it is in the parent-facing position.
Style
The majority of double buggies are heavier and bulkier than single models So keep that in mind if you're planning on buying one that will last several years. They do have more storage space and a larger basket. They also typically feature seating that is facing the parent, with an extendable sunshade as well as a peekaboo window, as well being reclining seats that can be reclined independently. Some have an adjustable leg and foot rest, which helps with any discomfort caused from long walks or long periods of sitting.
The most popular double buggy designs are side-by-sides and tandems. Tandems have the children positioned in a row, which gives them both the same view and may aid in avoiding sibling fights over who gets to 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 is a more traditional design, with two fixed seats assembled on the same frame of a stroller. They may not offer as many configurations and are typically best for babies who have mastered unassisted sitting but don't need the back support of an infant car seat.
If you're looking to purchase a light double from birth our lab experts recommend the Cybex Venus. This clever model can be transformed from mono to twin mode by expanding in width. It can be used to accommodate one or two infant seats and/or carrycots. It's also compact when folded and features a spacious shopping basket, as well as front and rear suspension for smoother travel. The seats, including the RumbleSeat, are padded and comfortable. They also have adjustable foot and leg rests. They also have a an ample UPF 50+ canopy, which provides plenty of shade.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is another good value option. It's a side-by-side pushchair, just like 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 reclines independently, and the City Mini GT2 features some of the most fluid handling of double buggies, with test drivers reporting it's easy to maneuver up and down kerbs.
Comfort
The seat padding and the fabric are comfortable for both kids and adults and adults, and the UPF 50+ canopy is large enough to offer real shade. It also has a cute peekaboo window. Our test participants also loved that the seat reclines at multiple angles. The only drawback is that the fold isn't as compact as some other models, but our lab experts believe it is easy to open and close.
Double buggies are heavier, bulkier and more expensive but they're a great investment for families who have two children who are similar in age (generally less than 4 years old). They're also likely to be used for many years, so make sure you choose the best brand you can count on to last for a long time and that will keep its value for a long time.
Tandem buggies are originally a single pushchair, but they have adaptors which allow you to add an extra seat or carrycot or (in certain cases) an automobile seat to the frame. Some of them are fixed doubles, while others - like this one made by Leclerc can be converted to a side-by-side arrangement when your children are old enough to be ready for it.
A side-by-side double buggy is usually wider than other types, but it is easier to maneuver over kerbs because the weight is distributed more evenly. It's not 100% safe to prevent sibling fights. Children in the same seat can kick or punch each other while riding.
A front-facing tandem is an alternative to a side-by-side model for older kids. It is less susceptible to squabbles between siblings since your children aren't directly facing each one another. Some children might feel excluded in a tandem that faces towards the front, since they don't get the same view.
The egg2 is a stylish modern and contemporary product at an affordable price. Our test subjects loved how easy it was to push, but wanted it had more storage and that the handlebars were a little more comfortable. It's suitable from birth, and can be used in twin mode as early as newborn, or as a combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats/car seat(s) for twins - it's the most flexible of our double buggies which is the reason it's been a MadeForMums favorite since 2009. It's not the cheapest double stroller available, but it is competitively priced and has excellent resale value.
Storage
If you have more than one child A double pushchair from birth will make life much easier while out and out and about. There's a broad selection of double strollers out there from tandems to side-by-sides in different styles and colours. But, you must be aware of your family's needs and what features are important to you before purchasing a product. By assessing your requirements, you can narrow down your choices and select the most suitable double pram.
A good double buggy is quick and easy to maneuver. It should be lightweight. This is particularly important if you live in an urban setting where you'll require 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, as well as recline options for when your little one would like to sleep. Both seats should have adjustable leg and footrests, UPF 50+ canopy, with peekaboo window, and comfortable buckles and straps.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a double pushchair is how compact it is when folded. Certain double buggies are able to be folded into a small size that's easy to carry and will fit in tight spaces like cabinets. double pram and pushchair may be slightly bulkier but they will be simple to transport and store.
If you're on a tighter budget, you can find some great value double strollers that can be used. The Cybex Influencer for instance, can be used either as an individual stroller or as a double stroller. It also has a basket underneath the seat when it is in the parent-facing position. It is also light, can be folded flat and offers a high resale value.
The UPPAbaby is an excellent choice for families, as it can fit two infant car seats and be set up in various ways. It can be configured with reversible seats, ensuring that your children can look at one another or the world. It is also equipped with a bassinet for newborns.