Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you love long walks with your toddler and are contemplating having the birth of a second child using a double pushchair, it can simplify your family life. There are numerous options to choose from.
The majority of tandem buggies are able to adapt to various configurations. For example, some have seats that are reversible, allowing siblings to face each other or to the side.
Size
It's 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 through the doorways of your home and be able to easily maneuver between kerbs and stairs.
Double strollers come in two different designs which are tandem and side by side. Tandem buggies can be the best option for parents with twins. Side-by-side strollers are suitable for children of all ages, and can be transformed into a single-to-double stroller with the addition of seating.
Most tandem buggies come with seats that face one another and come in various configurations. This allows your children to see one another while riding. However, if your children are close enough in age to be able to coexist (or at the very least not fight over who has the most comfortable seat!) then double pram pushchair may discover that they're more at ease sitting side by side rather than facing each other.
A great option for families with twins or younger siblings who need to be seated side-by-side is the iCandy Venus. This stylish and budget-friendly buggy also comes with the added bonus of being able to take an infant car seat and expand with your family. iCandy comes with extra accessories, such as fleecy liners, to ensure that your newborns stay warm and cozy in their cocoons.
Another option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair, that is popular with parents who are conscious of their appearance and want to look their best, can be used as an individual stroller or as a double stroller because of its adaptors that allow you to include a seat or carrycot. It's not the most cost-effective double stroller, but it does have certain unique features that distinguish it from the rest of the market. One of them is the large basket that is placed behind the seat when it's in parent-facing mode.
Style
Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier. If you are planning to buy one that you intend to be using for a long time be aware of this. They do have more storage space, and a larger basket. They usually also have seating that is facing the parent, with a sunshade that can be extended and a peekaboo window, as well being reclining seats that can be reclined independently. Some models include an adjustable foot and leg rest that can be adjusted to ease any discomfort caused by walking or long periods of sitting.
The most well-known double buggy styles are side-bysides and tandems. Tandems are designed to have the children seated side-by-side with the same view. This can prevent siblings fighting about where to sit. They're not foolproof. Children can still kick or punch one another while riding. Side-by-side is more traditional, with two fixed seats that are mounted on a single wide stroller frame. They may not offer the same number of configurations, and they're usually recommended for infants who have mastered sitting without assistance but don't yet 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 model is cleverly designed to expand widthways to switch from mono to twin mode, allowing either two or one carrycot and/or infant seats. It's also compact when folded, and features a spacious shopping basket and rear and front suspensions for a more comfortable ride. The seats which include the RumbleSeat, are padded and comfortable. They also have adjustable footrests and leg rests. They also have a large UPF 50+ canopy that offers plenty of shade.
Another option that is a good value is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. It's a two-in-one pushchair, just like the Venus. It is possible to configure it to suit your needs. It can accommodate only one infant car seat and you can also add the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional passenger (though it limits the use to twins). The seat reclines independently and the City Mini GT2 has some of the most comfortable handling among double buggies. Testers noted that it was easy to maneuver through kerbs and up and down.
Comfort
The seat padding and the fabric are comfortable for both kids and adults, plus the UPF 50+ canopy is long enough to provide real shade and offers a cute peekaboo view. Our test participants also loved that the seat reclines at multiple angles. The only issue with this model is that it isn't quite as compact as other models. However our lab experts stated that it was easy to open and close.
Double buggies are heavier, bulkier and more expensive, but they're an excellent investment for families who have two children of similar age (generally less than 4 years old). They're also likely to be used for many years, so you should choose a quality brand that will last and will hold its value.
Tandem buggies are originally one-person pushchairs, but they can be fitted with adaptors that permit you to add an additional seat, carrycot, or (in certain situations) a car seat to the frame. Some are fixed doubles but others, such as this one made by Leclerc, can be converted to a side-byside configuration once your children are old enough.
A side-by-side double buggy usually wider than other types however it is much more maneuverable over kerbs as the weight is distributed more evenly. It's not foolproof to avoid sibling fights. Children sharing the same seat could 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 each other. Some children may feel left out in a tandem that faces forward, as they don't have the same view.
The egg2 is a chic, modern product with competitive pricing. Our test subjects loved how easy it is to push, but they would prefer it had more storage and that the handlebars were a little more comfortable. It's suitable from birth and can be used as a twin stroller starting at newborn. It's not the cheapest double buggy on the market but it comes with a competitive cost and an excellent resale.
Storage
If you have more than one child having a double pushchair from birth will make life much easier while out and about. There's a broad selection of double strollers out there from tandems to side-by-sides in various colours and styles. However, you should be aware of your family's needs and what features are important to you prior to making a purchase. By assessing your needs you will be able to narrow your options and choose the best double pram.
A quality double buggy should be agile and easy to maneuver. It should be lightweight. This is especially important if you live in an urban setting where you'll require an extra pram to navigate through busy streets and fit into doorways that are narrow for lunch runs and shopping days out.
Many of the best double buggies come with suspension that will soften the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces as well as a recline feature for when your little one wants to take a snooze. Both seats should have adjustable leg and footrests, UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out, as well as comfortable buckles and straps.
When choosing a double stroll take into consideration how compact the pushchair can fold when folded. Certain double buggies are able to be folded down into a compact size that's easy to carry, and fit into tight spaces like cabinets. Double buggies are made to fold into a compact size that is easy to carry and fit in small spaces like cupboards.
If you have a smaller budget to work with There are great value double strollers that can be used. The Cybex Influencer for instance can be used as an individual stroller or as a double stroller. It also has a basket underneath the seat when the child is facing it. It is also lightweight, can be folded flat and has a great resale value.
The UPPAbaby Vista is also an ideal choice for families as it can be set up with different seating arrangements and can accommodate two infant car seats. It can be configured with reversible seats, so that your children can either face each other or the world. It can also be fitted with a newborn bassinet.