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 need for your growing family. Choose between tandem models or side-by-side designs like the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 which is small enough to fit in standard doorways.
Many models can be used with a baby car seats and include reclining seats. Some models can even be converted to single mode, like with the egg2 Pushchair that's loved for its design and versatility.
Side by Side
Side-by-side is the most popular choice 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 are easy to maneuver and some even have front and back suspensions to help with traversing kerbs or bumps.
They may cost more than other double buggies, but they have a better resale price, especially when they're a well-known brand. They're also great for jogging, and can handle rough terrain, while the seats provide plenty of space for your kids to sit comfortably. Buggies are available in a wide range of designs and colours to complement your family's style.
Some models come with extra accessories to help keep your baby comfortable. These can include seat cushions, head supports and baby blankets. They might also have pockets to store snacks and toys. Parents can even get a buggy with an adult console to keep essentials handy.
The popular model's 2023 version 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 assemble, although Kerry found it did take a long time to get all of the parts out of the boxes. The packaging was well-labeled and smart making it easy to determine what each component would look similar to.
It's heavier than other double buggies, but still fairly light for an inline model. It's also extremely versatile and it can be used with one or two infant car seats. It can be converted from a single seat to a tandem with just one click.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is another top choice for double strollers, and it's ideal for busy parents. It's incredibly easy to maneuver in tight spaces and handles tough terrain easily. It comes with a large basket, a recline that is independent on both seats, and a 5-point padded harness to ensure your children's safety.
Tandem
This innovative frame can be expanded in width, allowing a second seat to be added without taking up space. It's a great choice for twins from birth, and will take two car seats or carrycots too, making it a fantastic travel system 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 is a favourite among parents who are obsessed with their image and has an incredibly sleek, stylish design. Its seat can be adjusted to four different positions and can expand with your child's weight up to 25kg. Adding an additional 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. This is an excellent option if you want to avoid the baby from being disturbed.
The seats are placed one on top of the other, making it harder for toddlers and their parents to get distracted when they are out and out and about. This kind of pushchair comes with padding that allows the seat to fully recline which makes it suitable for newborns. Many models will have 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 style of buggy. It's easier to get through narrow doors with a tandem pushchair however, it can be difficult to nip up kerbs and stairs with two children in tow.
This multi-functional pushchair is a great option for families with children with special needs. It's an excellent option for kids with disabilities who benefit from having a younger sibling that they can play with and encourage. It's not expensive, but it's made to last. There's plenty of storage space to meet your needs. It comes with a variety of accessories that will allow you to personalize the buggy to meet your family's needs, such as rain covers or lines.
Lightweight
The best lightweight double pushchairs are nimble, compact and simple to use. They're typically constructed of a sturdy aluminum frame, and some have air-filled wheels to help them move over rough surfaces. They can also have a one-handed fold and handy shoulder straps to make them more convenient to carry. You could consider adding additional accessories like an ankle muff, a sunshade or a rain cover.
The Cybex Mios is a lightweight double stroller that has low cost. It is a travel system that can be used as a light stroller and also a fully-functioning travel system. A carrycot can be added to make it suitable for use from the time of birth. It is a side-by-side model and both seats recline independently making it a perfect position for babies and toddlers. It comes with a huge UPF 50+ canopy, peekaboo windows and a toddler seat that's fully padded and adjustable.
UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another top contender. It can accommodate twins, or a baby with a toddler. It is compatible with a variety of car seats. It features an elegant and stylish frame with large back wheels that can withstand rough terrain. It's also suitable for jogging. The double mode can make it a bit too long, and there's no storage beneath the seat.
When comparing different double pushchairs, consider the weight of the frame, seat and suspension. The heavier the buggy is and the heavier it is, the more difficult it will be to push. This is especially true on uneven surfaces. Be sure to look at the dimensions of the folding and see if it's possible to remove the seat to make it smaller. Check for features like a simple one-handed fold, which test-run tester Kirstie described as "genius" and a convenient strap to sling over your shoulders.
You can also select a tandem double stroller, which places the children one behind another. It's not as easy to maneuver as a side-byside, but it's still a great option for families with multiple children, and may be more suitable for older toddlers. There are also tandems with reclining seats which give children the flexibility to lie down or sit down based on their mood and needs.
Comfortable
If you're the parent of twins or two kids close in age, having the perfect double pushchair will make outings a whole lot simpler. There are many comfortable options available on the market. There are plenty of Get the facts for families, no matter if you're seeking a side by side model that can hold the carrycot as well as a seat or a tandem that has seats in the front and back that can be interchanged.
Make sure you choose a seat with several recline positions, as well as adjustable calfrests. They are usually operated by a single-handed button located at the rear of the seat. (Though in our testing this could be a little difficult for parents with small hands). Some of the best double pushchairs come with an extensive UPF 50+ sun canopy with windows that are magnetic and an easy-to-use hood extender that can shield your children from harmful UV radiation.
Convertible Doubles
You can save money by purchasing the pushchair that can convert from single mode to dual mode as your child develops. The egg2, for example, is a fashionable option that can be used right from birth using the baby or toddler carriers and even offers the RumbleSeat as an additional feature for older siblings. Its reclining seats and spacious comfortable carrycots are well-received by home testers, who appreciate how it can grow with your family.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that will last from birth until toddlerhood, check out the iCandy Venus. It includes a seat and footmuff, but can be combined with the brand's newborn cocoons (available separately for just PS59 each) to transform it into a twin pram that is suitable for twins or babies/toddlers. Our labs were impressed by the ease of being able to switch between configurations. They also found the directions to be simple and clear however it might require some time to master.
Some double pushchairs allow you to place your children side by side and are usually world facing. However, there are a few notable exceptions like the Bugaboo Donkey or Mountain Buggy Duet which can be configured both for front and parent facing (though this can increase the overall chassis width). Kerb popping is generally more straightforward with a tandem, but the narrow doorways and aisles of shopping can be an issue at times.