Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
If you're expecting twins or two kids close in age, a double pushchair gives you the flexibility you require for your growing family. Choose from side-by-side configurations or tandem models like the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 that's narrow enough to fit through doors that are standard.
Many models also come with recliners that can be laid flat and can be used with infant car seats. Some models can even be converted to single mode. The egg2 Pushchair is a favorite for its style and versatility.
Side by Side
Side-by-side strollers are an ideal option for families with twins or siblings of different age groups. They typically have two fixed seats and one canopy. They are also larger than inline buggy so that both children can see the same thing. They're easy to maneuver, and some have front and rear suspensions to allow to help with handling bumps or over the kerb when turning.
They can cost more than other double buggies however they have a better resale price, especially when they're a popular brand. They're ideal for jogging and can withstand rough terrain, while the seats offer plenty of space for your kids to comfortably sit. You can find these buggies in a wide range of designs and colours to complement your family's style.
Some models include extra accessories that can help keep your baby snug. These include baby blankets and cushions for seats, liners and head supports. They might also have pockets for storing snacks and toys. Parents can also find an infant buggy with an adult console to keep essentials handy.
This popular buggy's 2023 version has a new look and a bigger sun canopy, and fresh logos. It's a chic option for image-conscious parents and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's also simple to put together but Kerry found that it took a long time to get all of the parts out of the boxes. However, the packaging was well-labeled and clever, which made it easier to understand what to expect from each component.
It's a bit heavier than other double buggies, but still relatively light for an inline model. It's also incredibly versatile, and can be used with two or one infant car seats. It can even switch from a single to a tandem in one click and is a huge benefit for families that are growing.
The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great double stroller that is ideal for parents with busy schedules. It's super maneuverable in tight spaces and handles difficult terrain easily. It comes with a large basket, independent recline on both seats, and a 5-point strap that is padded to ensure your children's safety.
Tandem
This clever frame can be expanded in width, allowing a second seat to be added without compromising space. This is an excellent option for twins as it can be used with two carrycots or a car seat. It's also a great option for road trips. It's a bit larger and heavier than some of its rivals, but it has plenty of storage space including an enormous shopping basket. The iCandy Peach has a sleek, stylish design that is popular with parents who are image-conscious. Its reclining seat moves into four different positions, and will expand with your child's weight up to 25kg. The quick-release Velcro fastenings make it easy to add a seat. This model can be used in tandem mode, putting one child sitting on top of another. This is a great choice if you want to avoid disturbing your newborn baby.
The seat is positioned one ahead of the other in this configuration, so it can be more difficult for toddlers to be distracted from each other while you're out and out and about. This kind of pushchair comes with padding that allows the seat to recline completely, making it suitable for newborns. Many models will feature a higher and more upright seat in the back for older children, and it's usually possible to set them to face one another or face each other depending on the design of the buggy. With a tandem pushchair it's easier to squeeze through doorways that are narrow, however it may be a challenge to get around kerbs and stairs with two children.
A great option for families with special needs, this versatile pushchair is a great solution for disabled children who benefit from having another child to play with and encourage. It's not inexpensive, but it's constructed to last. There's also plenty of storage space to meet your needs. It comes with a range of accessories to allow you to customize the buggy according to your family's needs, such as rain covers or lines.
Lightweight
The best lightweight double strollers are small, easily maneuverable and nimble. They're usually made of a sturdy aluminium frame, but some also have air-filled wheels to help them slide over even rough surfaces. Some models feature one-handed folds and shoulder straps that make them more convenient to carry. You can also consider adding accessories such as the foot muff, sunshade or a rain cover.
The Cybex Mios is a lightweight double stroller that has an affordable price. It's a travel system that can be used as a lightweight stroller, as well as a fully-functional travel system. A carrycot can be added to make it suitable for use from the age of. It features a side-byside design and both seats recline independently, providing the ideal position for toddlers and infants. It features a large UPF 50+ canopy, peekaboo windows and a toddler seat that is fully padded and adjustable.
Another top contender is the UPPAbaby Vista 2. It can accommodate twins or a baby as well as a toddler, and is compatible with a variety of car seats. It has sleek and stylish frames with big back wheels to cope with rough terrain, and it's also suitable for jogging. The double mode makes it a bit too long, and there is no storage space underneath the seat.
When comparing different double pushchairs, consider the weight of each seat, frame and suspension. The heavier the pushchair is, the more difficult to push, particularly on uneven surfaces. Make sure to check the dimensions of the folding, and if you can remove the seat to make it more compact. Look for features like an easy one-handed fold that home tester Kirstie described as "genius", and a useful strap that you can sling over your shoulders.
You can also choose a tandem double pushchair that places children in a row behind one another. It's not as easy to maneuver as a side-by-side, but it's still a viable alternative for families of all sizes, and may be more suitable for older toddlers. There are tandems with reclining seats which allow children to sit up or lie down depending on their mood and needs.
Confortable
The right double pushchair can simplify your travels no matter if you have twins or two children of similar ages. There are many comfortable options available on the market. There are plenty of options for families, whether you're searching for a side-by- side model that can fit both a carrycot and a seat or a tandem model with an rear and front seat that can be interchanged.
Find seats with multiple reclining positions, as well as adjustable calfrests. These are typically controlled by single-handed buttons that are located at the rear of the seat. (Though in our testing it can be difficult for parents with small hands). Some of the top double pushchairs also offer an extensive UPF 50+ sun canopy that has magnetic peekaboo windows and a handy hood extender to shield your children from harmful UV radiation.
Convertible Doubles
You can save money by investing in an infant stroller that can be converted from single to dual mode as your child grows. The egg2, as an example, is a fashionable option that can be used from birth using the toddler or baby carrier and even comes with a RumbleSeat second add-on for older siblings. The reclining seats and spacious carrycots were especially well-loved by test subjects at home who loved how it could 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 comes with a seat and footmuff, but it can also be used with the brand's newborn cocoons (available separately at PS59 each) to make it a twin pram that is suitable for twins or infants/toddlers. Our labs were impressed by how easy it was to switch between configurations. They also found the instructions to be clear and straightforward however it could take some time.
Some double pushchairs allow you to seat your children in a row and are generally oriented towards the world. However there are some notable exceptions like the Bugaboo Donkey or Mountain Buggy Duet that can be set up to be front and rear facing (though this will increase overall width of the chassis). Kerb popping is generally simpler with a tandem, however the narrow doorways and aisles of shopping can be an issue at times.