Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
Double pushchairs are perfect for families with twins or children of similar age. Choose from tandem models or side-by-side designs 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 models can even be converted to single mode, like with the egg2 Pushchair that is loved for its style and versatility.
Side by Side
The side-byside buggy is a popular option for families with twins, or siblings with different ages. They usually have two fixed seats with a single canopy, and are usually larger than an inline buggy to give both children the same view. They are simple to maneuver and even come with front and back suspension for better handling when traversing kerbs or bumps.
They can be more expensive than other double buggies but they offer a higher resale price, especially if they are a popular brand. These buggies are also great for jogging, and can take on any terrain. The seats have plenty of space for your kids to relax comfortably. Buggies are available in a variety of colours and styles to suit your family's preferences.
Certain models come with additional accessories that can help keep your babies comfortable. These accessories can include head supports and baby blankets. They may also have pockets to store snacks and toys. Parents can even find an infant buggy with a console for parents to keep the essentials in their reach.
The popular buggy's 2023 model features a new design with a larger sun canopy, and fresh logos. It's an attractive option for image-conscious parents and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's also simple to put together, although Kerry found it did take quite a while to get all of the parts out of the boxes. However, the packaging was clever and well-labeled, which made it easier to determine what you can expect from each piece.
It's a little heavier than other double buggies but it's still quite light for an inline model. It's also incredibly versatile, and can be used with two or more infant car seats. It can be transformed from a single seat into an entire tandem in just one click.
The Vista v2 from UPPAbaby is another top choice for double strollers, and it's ideal for busy parents. It's extremely maneuverable in tight spaces and can handle difficult terrain easily. It is also equipped with a large shopping basket, a recline that is independent for both seats, and a cushioned 5-point harness to keep your children secure.
Tandem
The clever frame of this pushchair can be expanded width-wise and allows you to add another seat without sacrificing space. This is a great choice for twins, as it can be used with two carrycots or a car seat. It's also a great option for roadtrips. It's a bit heavier than some of its rivals and may feel long when pushing in double mode but it has a good amount of storage space, including a spacious shopping basket. The iCandy Peach has a sleek and stylish design that's popular with parents who are image-conscious. Its reclining main seat also moves into four different positions, and it will grow with your children up to 25kg. The quick-release Velcro fasteners make it simple to add an additional seat. This model can also be used in tandem mode, with one child on top of another. This is a great choice for those who want to avoid disturbing your newborn baby.
The seats are placed one on top of the other, making it harder for toddlers and their parents to get distracted while they're out and about. This type of pushchair usually comes with a cushioned main seat that can recline fully making it suitable for newborns. Many models have higher and a more upright seat for older children. Based on the design it is possible to set them up with the intention of facing each other or the world. It's easier to navigate narrow doors with a tandem pushchair however it can be a challenge to get up kerbs and stairs with two children in the back.
A great option for families with special needs This multi-functional pushchair is a great solution for disabled children who benefit from having an older sibling to play with and encourage. It's expensive, but the solid construction is designed to last and has plenty of storage space for everything you'll require. It comes with a variety of accessories to allow you to personalize the buggy to suit the needs of your family, such as rain covers or lines.
Lightweight
The best lightweight double pushchairs are nimble compact and easy to use. Some have air-filled tires to assist them in gliding over rough surfaces. Some models come with an easy fold that can be folded with one hand and shoulder straps, making them more convenient to carry. Look for additional extras like a sunshade rain cover and foot muff.
The Cybex Mios is a lightweight double stroller with a low price. It's it's a complete travel system as well as a light buggy, and can be used from birth with the addition of the carrycot. It features an aesthetically pleasing side-by-side design with both seats recline separately. This offers the perfect positioning for babies and young toddlers. It has a generous UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen through, and the toddler seat is fully cushioned with adjustable foot and leg rests.
UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another top contender. most compact double stroller can be used to carry twins or a baby as well as a toddler, and is compatible with a wide range of car seats. It features a stylish and sleek frame that has large wheels on the back to withstand rough terrain. It's ideal for jogging. The double mode makes it a bit too long, and there's no storage space underneath the seat.
When comparing double pushchairs, consider the weight of the frame, seat and suspension. The heavier the pushchair is, the more difficult it will be 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. Check for features like an easy one-handed fold which test-run tester Kirstie described as "genius", and a useful strap that you can wear over your shoulders.
Alternatively, you can choose a tandem double pushchair, which sits children in a row behind one another. It's not as easy to maneuver as a side-byside, but it's still a great alternative for families of all sizes and is suitable for older toddlers. There are also tandems with reclining seats that allow children to lie down or sit down depending on their mood and requirements.
Comfortable
The right double pushchair can make your outings easier no matter if you have twins or two children of similar ages. There's a huge selection of comfortable options that are available. Whether you want to buy an side-by-side model that will accommodate a carrycot and seat or a tandem that has an interchangeable front and rear seat, there's sure to be a suitable option for your family.
In addition to buckles, straps, padded straps and headrests, search for seats with multiple recline positions and adjustable the calf rests. Typically, these are operated by one-handed buttons that are accessible from the back of the seat (though in our tests, this can prove difficult for parents with small hands). Some of the best double pushchairs also come with an extensive UPF 50+ sun canopy that has magnetic peekaboo windows and an incredibly useful hood extension to shield your children from harmful UV radiation.
Convertible Doubles
One way to save money is to buy a convertible pushchair that can convert from single mode to double as your children develop. The egg2, for example, is a stylish choice that works with the included toddler seat or baby carrier right from birth. It can even include a second RumbleSeat for older siblings. Its reclining seats as well as its spacious, comfy carrycots are particularly appreciated by testers at home who love how much it will grow with your family.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can last from birth to toddlerhood, try the iCandy Venus. It includes a footmuff as well as a seat, but it can also be transformed into a twin-sized pram by using the brand's new Cocoons (available at PS59 per piece). Our labs liked how easy it was to switch between the different configurations. They also found the instructions to be easy and simple however it could require some practice.
Some double pushchairs will only allow you to put with your children in a row and generally face the world, but there are a few exceptions such as the Bugaboo Donkey and Mountain Buggy Duet which can be configured for both front and parent facing seating (though this can result in an increase in the overall dimensions of the chassis). Kerb popping is generally more straightforward with a tandem, but getting through doorways and narrow shopping aisles can prove difficult at times.