Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth

If you love long walks with your toddler and are considering having an additional child, a double pushchair will simplify your family's life. There are a variety of options to choose from.

The majority of tandem buggies are configured in a variety ways. Some tandem buggies have seats that can be reversed to allow siblings to sit facing each other, or you.

Size

If you're buying a double pushchair right from the start, it's important to keep in mind that these are usually larger than single buggies. This is why it's important to make sure that the buggy you choose is able to pass through your doorways and can easily maneuver through kerbs, and up and down steps.

Double strollers come in two main styles: tandem and side-by-side. Tandem buggies are an excellent option for parents of twins, while side-by-side strollers are suitable for children of various ages and are often converted into single and double stroller-to-double pushchairs by adding the seat or carrycot the frame.

Most tandem buggies are built with seats facing one another. They also offer multiple seat configurations, which allows your children to see each other as they ride. However, if your children are close enough in age to be able to coexist (or at the very least not fight over who is the most comfortable seat!) You may find they prefer sitting together rather than next to one another.

The iCandy Venus is a great option for families with twins or younger siblings that require a seat. This stylish and affordable buggy comes with the added benefit of being able to take an infant car seat as well which means it can grow with your family. To ensure that your infants are cozy and warm in their cocoons, iCandy also include extra accessories that rival brands charge for separately, like fleecy liner.

Another option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish stroller is a favorite among fashion-conscious parents. It can be used as a single or in a double configuration thanks to its flexible frame, which has adaptors to add a seat or a carrycot. It's not the cheapest double stroller, but it has certain unique features that set it apart from its competitors. One of them is an enormous basket that can be placed behind the seat when it's in parent-facing mode.

Style

Double buggies are usually larger and heavier. If you're planning to buy one that you will use for several years be aware of this. They do have more storage space and a bigger basket. They also come with a seat that faces the parent as well as a sunshade which can be extended, and a peekaboo window. They may also include seats that can recline independently. Some even come with an adjustable foot and leg rests that eases any discomfort caused from long walks or long periods of sitting.

The most popular double buggy designs are side-by-sides and tandems. Tandems have the children positioned side by side and give them the same view and can help to avoid sibling squabbles over who gets to sit where. They're not foolproof. Children can still kick or punch one another when they ride. Side-by-sides is a more traditional format, with two fixed seats arranged on one frame for a stroller. They may not offer the same number of configurations, and they're usually best for babies who have mastered sitting without assistance but don't yet need the back support of a car seat.

If you're looking to purchase a light double from birth our lab experts recommend the Cybex Venus. This clever model can be transformed from mono to twin by expanding widthways. It can be used to accommodate two or one infant seat or carrycots. It's also compact when folded, and has a large shopping basket and rear and front suspensions to ensure a smoother ride. The seats and the optional RumbleSeat are comfortable and padded and come with adjustable foot and leg rests and generous UPF 50+ canopy that offer plenty of shade.

Another option that is a good value is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. Like the Venus one, it's a side by side pushchair that can be configured to meet the needs of your family. It takes a single infant car seat, and you can add the Baby Jogger Glider Board for a third passenger (though this limits the usability to twins). The seat can be reclined independently and the City Mini GT2 features some of the most fluid handling among double buggies, with users stating it's easy to move between kerbs.

Comfort

The seat padding and fabrics are comfortable for both kids and adults, and the UPF 50+ canopy is long enough to provide real shade and offers a cute peekaboo window. The seat reclines in a variety of positions, which our testers loved. The only issue is that the fold isn't as compact as other models, but our lab experts say it opens and closes easily.

Double buggies weigh more, are bulkier, and more expensive, however they are ideal for families who have two children of similar age (generally less than 4 years old). Choose a brand that is designed to last for a long time and retain its value.

Tandem buggies started out as a single pushchair, however they can be fitted with adaptors that permit you to add an additional seat, carrycot, or (in certain cases) an automobile seat to the frame. Some are fixed doubles, however others - such as this one made by Leclerc can be converted to a side-by-side arrangement when your children are ready for it.

A side-by-side double buggy usually bigger than other types of buggy however, it's more maneuverable over kerbs as the weight is distributed more evenly. It's not foolproof to prevent sibling fights. Children sharing the same seat may punch or kick each other while riding.

A front-facing tandem could be an excellent alternative to a traditional side-by-side model for older children. It also decreases the chance of fighting between siblings because your children aren't directly facing each other. It's important to note that some kids can feel isolated or lonely when they're in a front-facing tandem because they don't have the same view of their surroundings.

The egg2 is sleek modern design, a contemporary style and an attractive price. Our testers were impressed by how easy it was to push, but wished it had more storage space and that the handlebars were a little more ergonomic. It's suitable from birth and can be used as a twin stroller from newborn. It's not the cheapest double buggy, but it has a competitive 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 myriad of types of double strollers, ranging from tandems to side by side in various styles and colours. Before purchasing you must consider your family's lifestyle as well as the features that are most important to you. By assessing your needs and preferences, you can narrow your options and select the most suitable double pram.

A quality double buggy should be quick and easy to maneuver. It should be light. This is especially crucial when you live in an urban area and you require a double buggy that can navigate busy streets and pass through narrow doorways to go shopping or out for lunch.

The majority of the top double running stroller buggies have suspensions to cushion the impact on bumps and uneven surfaces. They also have recline functions for when your child wants to take a nap. Both seats should have adjustable leg and footrests, UPF 50+ canopy, with peekaboo window, and comfortable buckles and straps.

Another factor to consider when deciding on a double pushchair is how compact it is when folded. Certain double buggies can be folded down into a compact size that is easy to carry, and fit into small spaces like cabinets. Some double buggies are designed to fold up into smaller sizes that are easy to carry and fit into small spaces such as cupboards.

If you're on a tighter budget to work with, you can find some high-quality double push chair strollers that can be used. For example the Cybex Influencer can be used as a single or a double, and it comes with a basket that sits underneath the seat in a parent-facing position. It is also light, can be folded flat and has a great resale value.

The UPPAbaby Vista is an ideal option for families because it can be set up with various seating arrangements and can accommodate two infant car seats. It comes with reversible seats so that your children can sit facing each other or the world, and it can also be equipped with a bassinet that is suitable for newborns.