Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
A double pushchair is a fantastic option if you enjoy long walks with your toddler and plan to have another child. Luckily there are many options to choose from.
Most tandem buggies are able to adapt to different configurations. Some tandem buggies come with seats that can be reversed to allow siblings to sit facing one another, or you.
Size
If you're considering purchasing a double pushchair from birth it's important to remember that they are generally larger than single buggies. You should make sure that your buggy fits through the doorways of your home and be capable of easily moving between kerbs and stairs.
Double strollers tend to come in two basic forms such as tandem and side-byside. Tandem buggies are a good option for parents with twins, while side-byside strollers can be used by children of different ages and can often convert into single-to-double pushchairs by adding a seat or carrycot to the frame.
Most tandem buggies are designed with the seats facing one another and offer multiple seat configurations, which allows your children to see each other when they ride. If your children are of the same age they may be able to get along or at least not fight over who gets the most comfortable seats. you might find that they're more at ease sitting in a row instead of facing each other.
A great choice for families with twins or younger siblings that need to sit together is the iCandy Venus. This beautiful, affordable buggy can also be used in conjunction with an infant car seat so that it can expand with your family. iCandy comes with extra accessories, such as fleecy liners to ensure that your baby stays warm and snug in their cocoons.
Another great option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair, which is popular among parents who are a bit glam and want to look their best, can be used as a single stroller or a double stroller thanks to its adaptors, which allow you to add a seat or a carrycot. It's not the cheapest double stroller, but it does have some unique features which distinguish it from other strollers. One of these is the large basket that is placed behind seat when in the parent-facing position.
Style
Double buggies are generally larger and heavier. If you're planning to purchase a buggie that you intend to keep for a long period of time, keep this in mind. However, double pram and pushchair do offer more storage space, usually with a bigger shopping basket. They usually also have seating that is facing the parent, with an extendable sunshade and windows that peek out, as well being reclining seats that can be reclined independently. Some have an adjustable foot and leg rests that eases any discomfort that is caused from long walks or long periods of sitting.
Tandems and side-by-sides are the most popular styles of double buggy. Tandems are designed with the children seated side-byside, giving them the same view. This can help avoid sibling rivalries about where to sit. But they're not foolproof, and kids are able to punch or kick each one another while riding. Side-by-side is more conventional and has two fixed seats positioned on a single wide stroller frame. They may not offer as many configurations and are generally ideal for babies who are comfortable sitting unaided but don't yet need the back support of an infant car seat.
Our lab experts recommend the Cybex venus if you are looking for a lightweight, double from birth. This clever model can be converted from mono to twin by expanding in width. It can accommodate two or one infant seat and/or carrycots. It's also compact when folded and comes with a large shopping basket as well as front and rear suspension for a more comfortable ride. The seats and the optional RumbleSeat are comfortable and padded with adjustable foot and leg rests and generous UPF 50+ canopy which offer plenty of shade.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is a similar value product. Like the Venus model, it's a side-byside pushchair that can be set up to meet the needs of your family. It is compatible with one car seat for infants, and you can add the Baby Jogger Glider Board for a third passenger (though this limits the use to twins). The seat reclines independently, and the City Mini GT2 features some of the most agile handling among double buggies, with test drivers reporting it's easy to maneuver through kerbs and up and down.
Comfort
The seat padding and the fabric are comfortable for both kids and adults The UPF 50+ canopy is long enough to offer real shade, and also has a cute peekaboo window. Our test subjects also liked that the seat reclines at multiple angles. The only issue is that the fold isn't as compact as some other models, but our lab experts believe it can be opened and closed easily.
Double buggies weigh more, are bulkier and more expensive, but they're a great investment for families with two children of similar age (generally younger than 4). They're also likely to be used for several years, so you should choose the best brand you can expect to last and will hold its value well.
Tandem buggies are initially a single pushchair and have adaptors that allow you to add another seat, a carrycot or (in some cases) car seats to the frame. Some of them are fixed doubles, while others - like this one from Leclerc can be changed to a side-by-side arrangement when your children are ready for it.
While a side-by-side is generally wider than other types of double buggy it is able to maneuver up and down kerbs as the weight is distributed more evenly. But it's not 100% reliable to prevent sibling rivalries; kids in the same seat could kick or punch each other while riding.
A front-facing tandem can be an ideal alternative to a side-by-side model for older children. It can also reduce the likelihood of sibling fights as your kids are not directly in front of each other. Some kids may feel left out when a tandem faces towards the front, since they don't have the same view.
The egg2 has a sleek, modern design and an attractive price tag. Our test subjects liked how easy it was to push but they would like to have more storage. They also wish the handlebars were more comfortable. It is suitable for babies and can be used as a twin stroller from newborn. It's not the most affordable double buggy, but it has a competitive cost and an excellent sales.
Stores
If you have more than one child having a double pushchair from birth will make life much easier when out and out and about. There are many different types of double strollers, ranging from tandems to side by sides in a variety of styles and colours. Before purchasing you must think about your family's needs as well as the features that are most important to you. Analyzing your needs will help you narrow down the possibilities and pick the best double pram for you.
A quality double buggy should be quick, easy to maneuver and should be light. This is especially important when you live in an urban area where you need a double buggy that is able to navigate through busy streets and fit through doorways that are narrow for shopping or on lunch runs.
A lot of the top double buggies feature suspensions that reduce the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces, as well as recline options for when your little one is looking to sleep. The seats should be able to adjust footrests and leg rests, UPF 50+ canopy, with windows that peek out, as well as comfortable buckles and straps.
When choosing a double stroll take into consideration how compact the stroller can be when folded. Some double buggies can be folded down into a compact size that's easy to carry and can be tucked away in small spaces like cabinets. Others might be heavier but they will be simple to transport and store.
If you have a less budget to work with There are great value double strollers that can be used. The Cybex Influencer, for example is a stroller that can be used as an individual stroller or as a double stroller. It also has an under-seat basket when in parent-facing mode. It's also light and can be folded flat and offers a high resale value.
The UPPAbaby is a fantastic choice for families, as it can be used to accommodate two infant car seats and be set up in a variety of ways. It is able to be fitted with reversible seats, so that your children can look at each other or the entire world. It can also be equipped with a bassinet that is for a newborn baby.