Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you enjoy long walks with your toddler and you are considering having the birth of a second child using a double pushchair, it can simplify your family's life. There are plenty of options to choose from.
The majority of tandem buggies can adapt to various configurations. For instance, some come with reversible seats that let siblings face each other or to the side.
Size
If you're purchasing a double pushchair from birth it's worth bearing in mind that they're usually bigger than single buggies. This is why you must ensure that your chosen buggy can fit through your doors and can easily go between kerbs and steps.
Double strollers tend to come in two main formats such as tandem and side-byside. Tandem buggies are a good option for parents of twins, whereas side-by-side strollers are suitable for children of various ages and often transform into single-to-double pushchairs by adding a seat or carrycot to the frame.
Most tandem buggies are built with the seats facing one another. They also provide a variety of seat configurations, which allows your children to see each other while they ride. However, if your children are old enough to get along (or at least not fight over who gets the most comfortable seat!) most compact double stroller may discover that they're more comfortable sitting together rather than facing each other.
A great option for families with twins or younger siblings that need to be seated side-by-side is the iCandy Venus. This beautiful and budget-friendly buggy also comes with the added bonus of being able take an infant car seat and grow with your family. To ensure your babies are cozy and warm in their cocoons, iCandy includes additional accessories that other brands charge for separately, like fleecy liners.
Another great option for expanding families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair is a popular choice for image-conscious parents, and it can be used as a single or as a double due to its flexible frame that has adaptors available to fit a seat or carrycot. It's not the most cost-effective double stroller, but it does have some unique features which make it stand out from its competitors. One of them is the large basket that is placed behind the seat when it is in the parent-facing position.
Style
Most double buggies are heavier and bulkier than single models Be aware of that in mind if you're looking to purchase a model that will see you through several years. They do come with more storage space, and a larger basket. They typically also come with seats that are facing the parents, with a sunshade that can be extended and a the peekaboo window, aswell as seats that recline independently. Some models include an adjustable leg and foot rest that can be adjusted to relieve any discomfort that is caused by long walking or long periods of sitting.
Side-by-sides, and tandems are the most sought-after types of double buggy. Tandems are designed with children sitting side-by-side with the same view. This can prevent siblings fighting over where to sit. However, they're not foolproof, and kids can kick or punch each on the other while they're riding. Side-by-sides are a more traditional design, with two fixed seats arranged on a single-wide stroller frame. They may not have as many options and are ideal for infants who can sit without assistance but don't require the back support provided by an infant car seat.
Our lab experts recommend the Cybex venus if you are looking for a light double from birth. This innovative model can be transformed from mono to twin mode by extending widthways. It can accommodate two or one infant seat and/or carrycots. It's also compact when folded and has a large shopping basket and rear and front suspensions to ensure a smoother ride. The seats, including the RumbleSeat, are padded, comfortable, and have adjustable foot and leg rests. They also have a large UPF 50+ canopy that offers plenty of shade.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is a different good value option. It's a two-in-one pushchair, just like the Venus. It is possible to 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 an additional child. The seat can be reclined independently and the City Mini GT2 features some of the most nimble handling among double buggies, with users stating 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, and also offers a cute peekaboo window. The seat reclines in multiple positions, which our testers loved. The only drawback is that the fold isn't as compact as some other models, however our lab experts believe it is easy to open and close.
Double strollers are traditionally heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single buggies, however they're a great investment for families with two kids who are close in age (generally less than 4 years old). They're also likely to be used for a number of years, so make sure you choose a quality brand that you can count on to last for a long time and that will keep its value for a long time.
Tandem buggies begin as a single pushchair and have adaptors that let you add another seat, a carrycot, or (in certain instances) car seats to the frame. Some are fixed doubles but others, like this one by Leclerc, can be converted to a side-byside configuration once your children are old enough.
A side-byside double buggy is typically bigger than other types of buggy however it is much easier to maneuver over kerbs since the weight is distributed more evenly. But it's not 100% reliable to avoid sibling fights as children sharing the same seat may punch or kick one another while riding.
A front-facing tandem can be an alternative to a traditional side-by-side model for older kids and may be less prone to squabbles between siblings since your children aren't facing each the other. It's important to remember that some kids may feel isolated or lonely in a front-facing tandem since they don't have the same view of the world around them.
The egg2 has a sleek, modern design and an attractive price. Our testers loved 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 as a twin stroller from newborn. It's not the most affordable double stroller on the market however it's competitively priced and offers a great resale value.
Storage
If you have more than one child having a double pushchair from birth will make your life easier when out and about. There's a broad selection of double strollers on the market from tandems to side-by-sides in different styles and colours. But, you must consider your family's lifestyle and what features are important to you prior to purchasing a product. By assessing your requirements and preferences, you can narrow your options and select the most appropriate double pram.
A good double buggy is nimble, easy to maneuver and should be lightweight. This is especially crucial for those who live in an urban area and you require a double-buggy that can maneuver through busy streets and fit through doorways that are narrow to go shopping or out for lunch.
The majority of the top double buggies have suspension that softens the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces. They also come with recline features for when your child wants to nap. Both seats should have adjustable footrests and leg rests, UPF 50+ canopy, with windows that peek out, as well as comfortable buckles and straps.
Another thing to take into consideration when choosing a double pushchair is how small it can be when folded. Certain double buggies can be folded into a small size that's easy to carry, and can be tucked away in tight spaces like cabinets. Some may be a bit heavier but they'll still be easy to move and store.
If you're on the tight end of your budget, you can find double strollers at an affordable price. The Cybex Influencer for instance is a stroller that can be used as a single stroller or a double stroller. It also has an under-seat basket when it is in the parent-facing position. It is also light, folds flat, and offers a high resale value.
The UPPAbaby is a fantastic option for families because it can accommodate two infant car seats and be set up in various ways. It can be configured with reversible seats, ensuring that your children can face each other or the world. It can also be equipped with a bassinet for newborns.