Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
Double pushchairs are perfect for families with twins or children with similar ages. Select from tandem models or side-byside configurations such as the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 which is narrow enough to fit in standard doors.
Many models also have recliners that lie flat and are compatible with infant car seats. Some even convert to single mode, like with the egg2 Pushchair that's appreciated for its style and versatility.
Side by Side
Side-by-side strollers are a classic option for families with twins or siblings of different age. 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're easy to move, and some even have front and rear suspensions to allow to help with handling bumps or over the kerb while turning.
Although they may cost more than other double buggies but they tend to have a higher resale value particularly if you select a popular brand. They're also great for jogging, and can handle rough terrain. The seats provide plenty of space for your kids to relax. You can find these buggies in a wide range of colours and designs to match your family's style.
Some models come with additional accessories that will help to keep your baby snug. These can include seat cushions, head supports and baby blankets. They may also have pockets to store snacks and toys. Parents can even find an infant buggy with an adult console to keep essentials handy.
The popular buggy's 2023 model features a new design and a bigger sun canopy, and fresh logos. It's a chic option for parents who are conscious of their image and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's also easy to put together but Kerry discovered that it took quite a while to get all the components out of the boxes. The packaging was well-labeled and clever and made it easy to identify what each piece would look like.
It's heavier than other double buggies, however it's still relatively light for an inline-model. It's also extremely versatile and you can use it with one or two infant car seats. It can be transformed from a single seat into a tandem with just one click.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is another top pick for double strollers , and it's perfect for busy parents. It is simple to maneuver and can cope with rough terrain. It comes with a huge basket, a recline that is independent on both seats, and a 5-point padded harness to keep your children safe.
Tandem
The innovative frame of this pushchair expands widthways which allows you to add an additional seat without sacrificing space. It's a great choice for twins from birth and can accommodate 2 car seats or carrycots also, making it a fantastic travel system for road trips. It's a little heavier than its competitors and can appear to be a bit long when in double mode, but it's got plenty of storage space, including a roomy shopping basket. The iCandy Peach has a sleek elegant design that is loved by parents who are a bit glam. The main seat can be repositioned into four different positions, and it will grow with your child up to 25kg. The quick-release Velcro fasteners allow you to add a seat. This model can be used in tandem mode, with one child on top of another. It's a great choice for sleepy babies who you don't want disrupt their sleep.
This arrangement places the seats one in front of the other, making it harder for toddlers and their parents to be distracted while out and out and about. This type of pushchair usually comes with a cushioned main seat that is able to recline completely, so it's ideal for babies. Many models will have a taller, more upright seat in the back for older children. It's typically possible to arrange them to face each other or world facing depending on the design of buggy. It's much easier to maneuver through narrow doorways with a tandem pushchair, but it can be hard to navigate kerbs or staircases with two children with you.
This multi-purpose pushchair is a great option for families with children with special needs. It's a great option for children with disabilities who could benefit from a younger sibling to play and encourage. It's expensive, but the sturdy construction is built to last and there's plenty of storage space to store everything you'll require. It comes with a range of accessories that enable you to customize the buggy to meet the needs of your family like rain covers or liner.
Lightweight
The best lightweight double strollers are compact easy to maneuver and nimble. They're usually made of a sturdy aluminium frame, but some also have air-filled wheels that help them move over rough surfaces. They can also have a single-handed fold as well as handy shoulder straps that make them more convenient to carry. Look for additional extras such as a sunshade, rain cover and foot muff.
The Cybex Mios is a lightweight double stroller that comes at low cost. It is both a full-functioning travel system as well as a light buggy, and can be used from birth with the addition of the carrycot. It is a side by side design and the two seats recline independently. This provides the ideal position for infants and toddlers. It has a large UPF 50+ canopy, peekaboo windows, and a toddler seat that's fully padded and adjustable.
Another popular option is the UPPAbaby Vista 2. It can be used to carry twins, or a baby and a toddler, and is compatible with a wide range of car seats. It features an elegant and sleek frame with large wheels on the back to withstand rough terrain. It's also great for running. The double mode could make it a bit long, and there is no storage space underneath the seat.
When comparing double pushchairs be aware of the weight of each seat as well as the frame and suspension. The heavier the buggy is, the more difficult it will be to push, particularly on uneven surfaces. Also, check the dimensions for folding and whether or not you are able to remove the seats, which makes it smaller. Check for features like a simple one-handed fold, which home tester Kirstie described as "genius", and a convenient strap that you can wear over your shoulders.
Alternately, you can choose a tandem double pushchair, which sits children behind each other. It's not as easy to maneuver as a side-by-side, but it's still a good option for families with multiple children, and may be more suitable for older toddlers. Certain tandems come with reclining seats that allow children to lie down or recline depending on their mood.
Comfortable
If you're the parent of twins or two kids close in age, having the right double pushchair can make outings a whole lot simpler. There's a great selection of comfortable options on the market. There are many options for families, no matter if you're searching for a side-by- side model that can fit both a carrycot and an additional seat or a tandem model with a front and rear seat that can be swapped.
Look for seats that have several recline positions as well as adjustable calfrests. Typically, these are operated with single-handed buttons accessible from the back of the seat (though in our labs this could be a little fiddly for parents with small hands). Some of the top double pushchairs come with an enormous UPF 50+ sun canopy with magnetic peekaboo windows and an easy-to-use hood extender that can shield your children from harmful UV radiation.
Convertible Doubles
One way to save money is to invest in a convertible pushchair which can convert from single to double mode as your children grow. The egg2, as an example, is a chic option that can be used from birth using the toddler or baby carrier and also comes with a RumbleSeat additional option for older siblings. The reclining seats as well as the spacious carrycots were adored by the home testers who adored the way it can grow with your family.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that will last through toddlerhood and beyond, the iCandy Venus is a great option. It comes with a footmuff and seat, but it can be transformed into a twin-sized pram by using the brand's newborn Cocoons (available at a price of just PS59). Our labs were impressed by how easy it is to switch between configurations and found the directions clear and straightforward - although it takes some practice to master the process of the box.
Some double pushchairs only allow you to seat your children side by side and are generally oriented towards the world. However there are some notable exceptions like the Bugaboo Donkey or Mountain Buggy Duet which can be configured with both front and parent facing (though this can increase the overall chassis width). Kerb popping is generally more straightforward with a tandem, but getting through doorways and narrow shopping aisles can prove an issue at times.