Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
If you have twins or two children that are close in age, a double pushchair will give the flexibility you need for your growing family. Choose between tandem models or side-by-side configurations like the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 which is narrow enough to fit through standard doorways.
Many models also have recliners that can be laid flat and are compatible with infant car seats. Some even convert to single mode, such as with the egg2 Pushchair that is loved for its style and versatility.
Side by Side
The side-by-side buggy is a popular option for families with twins or siblings of different ages. They typically have two fixed seats with a single canopy and are generally wider than an inline buggy to allow each child the same view. They are easy to maneuver and some even have front and rear suspension for better handling when crossing kerbs or bumps.
They may cost more than other double buggies, but they are more selling price, particularly if they are a popular brand. They are also ideal for jogging and can handle rough terrain. The seats offer plenty of space for your kids to relax comfortably. Buggies are available in a wide range of colours and designs to complement your family's style.
Certain models come with additional accessories to help keep your babies comfortable. These include baby blankets and cushions for seats, liners and head supports. They may also have pockets for storing snacks and toys. Parents can choose the perfect buggy that features a console that keeps essentials close at hand.
The 2023 version of this cult buggy comes with a new look, a bigger sun canopy, and new logos. It's an attractive option for parents who are conscious of their image and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's simple to put together, but Kerry discovered that it took a while to get the parts out of their boxes. The packaging was well-labeled and smart making it easy to identify what each piece would look like.
It's a little heavier than other double buggies, but it's still quite light for an inline model. It's also extremely versatile and can be used with one or two infant car seat. It can be converted from a single car seat to a tandem with just a single click.
The Vista v2 from UPPAbaby is another top pick for double strollers, and it's ideal for parents who are busy. It's super easy to maneuver through tight spaces and can tackle the tough terrain easily. It comes with a huge basket, a recline that is independent on both seats, and a 5-point strap that is padded to ensure your children's safety.
Tandem
The clever frame of this pushchair expands widthways which allows you to add a second seat without compromising on space. It's a great option for twins who are born and can accommodate two car seats or carrycots too and is a great travel system for road trips. It's a bit heavier and longer than a few of its competitors, however it has plenty of storage space, including a large shopping basket. The iCandy Peach is a favourite among parents who are obsessed with their image and has an incredibly stylish, sleek design. Its reclining main seat also can be adjusted to four different positions, and it will increase in size with your children's weight to 25kg. The addition of a second seat is simple thanks to the quick-release Velcro fastenings, and this model can be used in tandem mode with one child on top of the other. It's a great choice for sleepy babies who you don't want disturb during their sleep.
The seat is positioned one in front of the other in this arrangement and it's difficult for toddlers to keep from distracting one another while out and out and. This type of pushchair usually comes with a cushioned main seat that is able to recline completely making it ideal for babies. Many models have a higher and more upright seat for older children. In accordance with the model it's possible to set them facing each other or to the world. With a tandem pushchair, it's more streamlined to fit through narrow doors, but it might be a challenge to negotiate kerbs and stairs with two children.
A fantastic option for families with special needs, this versatile pushchair is a great solution for children with disabilities that benefit from having a younger sibling to play with and encourage. It's not expensive, but it's made to last. There's plenty of space for all your requirements. It comes with a range of accessories that enable you to customize the buggy to suit your family's requirements like rain covers or liner.
Lightweight
The best lightweight double strollers are small easy to maneuver and nimble. They're typically constructed of a sturdy aluminum frame, and some come with air-filled wheels that help them glide over even rough surfaces. cheap double stroller come with an easy fold that can be folded with one hand and shoulder straps that make them much easier to carry. Consider adding extras like a foot muff, a sunshade or a rain cover.
If you're looking for a lightweight double buggy that has a reasonable price tag then the Cybex Mios is worth considering. It straddles two categories as it is a fully-functional travel system as well as a light buggy that can be used starting at birth with the use of the carrycot. It has a side-by-side design and both seats recline independently providing the ideal position for babies and toddlers. It features a spacious UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out, and the toddler seat is fully padded with adjustable leg and foot rests.
Another top contender is the UPPAbaby Vista 2. It can accommodate twins, or a baby with a toddler. It can be used with a variety of car seats. It features a stylish and sleek frame, with large wheels on the back that can handle rough terrain. It's ideal for running. It's a little long when it's used in double mode it doesn't have storage space underneath the seat.
When comparing double pushchairs, consider the weight of each seat as well as the frame and suspension. The heavier the buggy is, the more difficult to push, particularly on uneven surfaces. Be sure to look at the dimensions of the folding and then see if you can take off the seat to make it smaller. Look for features like a one-handed folding, which Kirstie, a home tester at the time, described as "genius", or straps that you can sling over your shoulder.
Alternatively, you can opt for a tandem double pushchair, which sits children one behind the other. It's not as maneuverable as a side-byside, but it's still a great option for families with multiple children and could be more suitable for older toddlers. Some tandems have reclining seats that allow children to lie down or recline depending on their mood.
Comfortable
A double pushchair that is well-designed can help you get out more easily regardless of whether you have twins or two children with similar ages. There's a huge variety of comfortable choices on the market. There are plenty of twin buggy for families, whether you're seeking a side by side model that can accommodate both a carrycot and seats, or a tandem with a front and rear seat that can be interchanged.
Make sure you choose a seat with several recline positions and adjustable calfrests. Often, these will be controlled via easy-to-use one-handed buttons that are accessible from the back of the seat (though in our tests this could be a little fiddly for parents with small hands). Some of the top double strollers come with a huge UPF50+ sun canopy, magnetic peekaboo windows, and a useful hood extension that shields your child from harmful UV rays.
Convertible Doubles
One way to save money is to buy an adjustable pushchair that can convert from single to double mode as your children develop. The egg2, for example, is a stylish choice that can be used in conjunction with the toddler seat included or baby carrier right from birth. It even offers a second add-on RumbleSeat for older siblings. The reclining seats and spacious carrycots were adored by home testers who loved the way it can grow with your family.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that will last through toddlerhood and beyond, the iCandy Venus is a great choice. It includes a seat as well as a footmuff, but it can also be used with the brand's newborn cocoons (available separately at PS59 each) to transform it into an infant pram that can be used by twins or infants/toddlers. Our labs loved how easy it is to switch between configurations and found the instructions to be clear and easy to follow - even though it takes some practice to master it out of the box.
Some double pushchairs only allow you to place your children together and are generally world-facing. However, there are a few notable exceptions such as the Bugaboo Donkey or Mountain Buggy Duet that can be set up to be front and rear facing (though this will increase overall chassis width). Tandems are typically easier to maneuver over kerbs, however they can be a challenge to maneuver through narrow aisles and doorways.