Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth
If you enjoy long walks with your toddler and you are considering having the birth of a second child, a double pushchair will simplify family life. There are a variety of options to choose from.
Most tandem buggies can be set up in a variety of ways. Some tandem buggies come with seats that are reversible, allowing siblings to sit facing each other or even you.
Size
If you're purchasing a double pushchair at birth, it's worth bearing in mind that they are generally larger than single buggies. Make sure that your buggy fits through the doors of your house and is able to easily maneuver across the kerbs and steps.
Double strollers typically come in two basic forms such as tandem and side-byside. Tandem buggies are a good option for parents with twins, whereas side-by-side strollers are suitable for children of different ages. They often transform into single-to- double pushchairs by adding the seat or carrycot the frame.
The majority of tandem buggies have seats that face each other and come in multiple configurations. This allows your children to see one another while riding. If your children are similar ages, they may be able to work together or at least not fight over who has the most comfortable seats. then you may discover that they're more comfortable side by side rather than facing one another.
The iCandy Venus is a great option for families with twins or children who need to sit together. This attractive and affordable buggy comes with the added benefit of being able to carry an infant car seat and expand with your family. iCandy comes with additional accessories, such as fleece liners, which will ensure that your baby stays warm and snug in their cocoons.
Another option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair, which is popular with parents who are image-conscious It can be used as a single stroller or double stroller due to its adaptors that permit you to add a seat or carrycot. It's not the cheapest double stroller, but it does have distinct features that distinguish it from its competitors. One of these is an enormous basket that can be placed behind the seat when it's in the parent-facing mode.
Style
Double buggies are generally heavier and bulkier. If you're planning to buy one that you will keep for a long period of time, keep this in mind. They do come with more storage space and a bigger basket. These seats also come with a seat that faces the parent, a sunshade that can be extended and a peekaboo window. They might also have seats that can recline independently. Some have an adjustable leg and foot rest which eases any discomfort caused from long walks or long periods of sitting.
The most well-known double buggy designs are side-by-sides and tandems. Tandems are designed to have the children sitting side-by-side and sharing the same perspective. This can prevent siblings fighting over where to sit. They're not foolproof. Children can still kick or punch one another when they are riding. The side-by-side model is more traditional, with two fixed seats that are mounted on a single, wide stroller frame. They don't offer the same number of configurations and are typically best for babies who have mastered unassisted sitting but don't require the back support of a car seat.
Our lab experts recommend the Cybex venus if you are looking for a lightweight, double from birth. This clever model expands widthways to switch from mono to twin mode, taking either two or one carrycot and/or infant seats. It's also compact when folded, and has a large shopping basket and front and rear suspension to ensure a smoother ride. The seats which include the RumbleSeat, are padded and comfortable, as well as adjustable footrests and leg rests. They also come with a large UPF 50+ canopy that offers plenty of shade.
Another option that is a good value is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. Similar to the Venus one, it's a side by side pushchair that can be configured to meet the needs of your family. It is compatible with one car seat for infants and you can also add the Baby Jogger Glider Board for the third person (though this limits the use to twins). The seat reclines independently and the City Mini GT2 has some of the most comfortable handling among double buggies. Testers reported that it was easy to maneuver between kerbs.
Comfort
The fabric and padding of the seat are comfortable for kids. Additionally, the UPF 50+ canopy are long enough to offer shade and have a cute peekaboo feature. Our test subjects also liked that the seat reclines at multiple angles. The only drawback is that the fold isn't as small as other models, however our lab experts say it opens and closes easily.
Double strollers are typically heavier and bulkier, as well as more expensive than single buggies. However, they're a must-have for families with two children who are close in age (generally less than 4 years old). They're also likely to be used for many years, so make sure you choose an excellent brand that you can count on to last for a long time and that will keep its value for a long time.
Tandem buggies started out as one-person pushchairs, but they come with adaptors that allow you to add an extra seat or carrycot or (in certain instances) a car seat to the frame. Some of them are fixed doubles, but others - like this one made by Leclerc can be changed to a side-by-side arrangement when your children are ready to do so.
While a side-byside is generally wider than other double buggy types, it can be easier to maneuver through kerbs, as the weight is spread more evenly. It's not a guarantee to keep siblings from fighting. Children sharing the same seat could punch or kick one another while riding.
A front-facing tandem can be an alternative to a side-byside model for older children and is less susceptible to sibling squabbles, as your children aren't directly facing each the other. It's worth noting that some kids may feel lonely or disengaged when they're in a front-facing tandem as they won't have the same view of their surroundings.
The egg2 is a stylish, modern product with a competitive price. Our testers were impressed by the ease of use and push, but wished it had more storage and that the handlebars were more ergonomic. It's suitable for babies from birth, and can be used in twin mode as early as newborn or in a combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats or car seat(s) for twins - it's the most flexible of our double buggies which is why it's been a MadeForMums favourite since 2009. It's not the most affordable double buggy available, however it is competitive in price and a great sales.
Stores
If you have more than one child, a double pushchair from birth will make your life much easier when out and about. There are a variety of double strollers on the market from tandems to side-bysides in different styles and colours. Before purchasing you must consider your family's lifestyle and the features that are most important to you. By evaluating your needs and preferences, you can narrow your options and select the best double pram.
A good double buggy is nimble and easy to maneuver. It should be lightweight. This is especially crucial if you are living in a city area where you require a double-buggy that is able to navigate through busy streets and fit through narrow doorways to go shopping or on lunch runs.
Most of the best double buggies have suspensions to cushion the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces. They also come with recline features to let your child to lie down. It is also essential that both seats come with straps and buckles that are comfortable that can be adjusted, adjustable foot and leg rests, UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows and seats that are reversible, to allow siblings to face one another or the world around them.
When choosing a double stroller, you should also consider how compact the stroller can be when folded. Certain double buggies can be folded down into a compact size that's easy to carry, and will fit in tight spaces like cabinets. Some may be a bit heavier but they'll still be easy to move and store.
If you have a smaller budget there are high-quality double strollers that can be used. For instance the Cybex Influencer can be used as a single or a double, and it includes a basket that is placed under the seat when facing towards parents. It is lightweight and folds flat. It also has a high resale price.
The UPPAbaby is an excellent option for families as it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be configured in different ways. It comes with reversible seats to allow your children to face either one another or the entire world and it can be equipped with a bassinet suitable for infants.