Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you enjoy long walks with your toddler and you are planning an additional child, a double pushchair will simplify your family life. There are plenty of options to choose from.
The majority of tandem buggies are set up in a variety of ways. Some tandem buggies have seats that can be reversed to allow siblings to be facing one another, or you.
Size
If you're buying a double pushchair from birth it's worth bearing in mind that these are usually larger than single buggies. This is why it's important to ensure that the buggy you select is able to pass through your doors and is able to easily move between kerbs and steps.
Double strollers are typically available in two basic forms that are tandem and side-by-side. Tandem buggies are a good option for parents with twins, while side-by-side strollers can be used with children of various ages and are often converted 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 when they ride. However, if your kids are close enough in age to be able to coexist (or at least not fight over who gets 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 require seating together. This attractive and budget-friendly buggy also comes with the added benefit of being able take an infant car seat as well, so it can expand with your family. To ensure your babies are snuggly and warm in their cocoons iCandy includes additional accessories that competitors cost separately, such as fleecy liners.
Another option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish stroller is a favorite among fashion-conscious parents. It can be used as a single or in a double configuration thanks to its flexible frame that has adaptors available to fit a seat or carrycot. It's not the cheapest double stroller, but it does have some unique features that distinguish it from its competitors, including an enormous shopping basket that is placed behind the seat in parent-facing mode.
Style
Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier. If you are planning to buy one that you will use for several years take this into consideration. They do come with more storage space, and a larger basket. They also come with a parent facing seat and a sunshade that could be extended, as well as an open window. They may also have seats that recline independently. Some even have a built-in adjustable foot and leg rests which eases any discomfort caused from long walks or long periods of sitting.
Side-by-sides, and tandems are the most popular styles of double buggy. Tandems are designed to have the children placed on opposite sides, which gives them both the same view and may help avoid sibling arguments about who sits where. However, they're still not foolproof, and kids are able to punch or kick each other while riding. The side-by-side format is more conventional, with two fixed seats that are mounted on a single wide stroller frame. They may not have as many options and are best for babies that can sit unassisted but do not need the back support provided by 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 expands widthways to switch from mono to twin mode, taking either one or two carrycots and/or infant seats. It's also compact when folded and features a spacious shopping basket, as well as rear and front suspensions for a more comfortable ride. The seats and the add-on RumbleSeat are cushioned and comfortable with adjustable foot and leg rests and generous UPF 50+ canopy which provide plenty of shade.
Another option that is a good value is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. Similar to the Venus model, it's a side-byside pushchair that can be set up to fit your family. The pushchair can be configured to accommodate twins or an infant seat. You can also include the Baby Jogger Glider Board as an additional child. The seat can recline independently, and the City Mini GT2 has some of the best handling among double buggies. Testers reported that it was easy to move between kerbs.
Comfort
The padding and fabric of the seat are comfortable for children. Additionally the UPF 50+ canopies are long enough to offer shade, and also have the cute peekaboo feature. The seat reclines in a variety of positions, which our test subjects loved. The only issue with this model is that it isn't as compact as other models. However our lab experts stated that it opened and closed easily.
Double buggies weigh more, are bulkier and more expensive but they're an excellent investment for families who have two children who are similar in age (generally younger than 4 years old). They're likely to be used for several years, so make sure you choose a quality brand that you can expect to last for a long time and that will keep its value well.
Tandem buggies are originally a single pushchair, but they can be fitted with adaptors that permit you to add an extra seat, carrycot, or (in certain situations) a car seat to the frame. Some are fixed doubles, but others, like this one made by Leclerc, can be converted into a side-by-side layout once your children reach the age of.
Although a side-by-side is generally wider than other types of double buggy, it can be easier to navigate between kerbs since the weight is distributed more evenly. It's not a guarantee to prevent sibling fights. Children in the same seat may punch or kick each other while riding.
A front-facing tandem can be a good alternative to a side-by-side model for older children. It can also lessen the possibility of sibling rivalries because your children aren't directly facing each other. Some children may feel left out when a tandem faces forward, as they don't have the same perspective.
The egg2 has a sleek modern design and attractive price tag. Our testers were impressed by the ease of use and push, but wished it had more storage space and that the handlebars were more ergonomic. It's suitable for babies from birth, and can be used in twin mode from newborn or in the combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats or car seat(s) for twins. It's also the most flexible of our double buggies, which is why it's been a MadeForMums favourite since 2009. https://penzu.com/p/744a165674f22e2e 's not the most affordable double buggy available, however it is competitive in cost and an excellent resale.
Storage
A double pushchair can make life easier for you for parents with more than one child. There is a wide range of double strollers available 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 before making a purchase. Analyzing your needs will help you narrow down the choices and choose the best double pram for you.
A quality double buggy must be small and easy to use. This is particularly important when you live in a city area where you need a double buggy that can maneuver through busy streets and pass through narrow doorways to go shopping or on lunch runs.
A lot of the top double buggies have suspension that softens the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces and recline options for when your little one wants to take a snooze. It is also crucial that both seats have comfortable straps and buckles, built-in adjustable leg and foot rests and UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out and seats that are reversible, to allow siblings to face each other and the world around them.
When choosing a double stroll take into consideration how compact the pushchair can be when folded. Certain double buggies are able to be folded down to a compact size that's easy to carry, and can be tucked away in tight spaces like cabinets. Double buggies are made to fold down into an incredibly compact size that is easy to carry and will fit into small spaces, such as cupboards.
If you're on the tight end of your budget, you can still find double strollers for sale at an affordable price. For example the Cybex Influencer can be used as a single or a double, and it includes a basket that is placed under the seat when facing towards parents. It is also lightweight, 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 can be configured in a variety of ways. It can be set up with reversible seats, so that your children can look at one another or the world. It is also equipped with a bassinet for newborns.