Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth

If you love long walks with your toddler and you are contemplating having an additional child using a double pushchair, it can 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. For instance, some come with reversible seats that let siblings face one another or the other.

Size

If you're buying a double pushchair right from the start, it's important to keep in mind that they are generally larger than single buggies. It is important to ensure that your buggy can fit through the doorways of your home and be capable of moving easily across stairs and kerbs.

Double strollers come in two different designs which are tandem and side by side. Tandem buggies are a good option for parents of twins, while side-byside strollers are suitable for children of various ages and are often converted into single-to-double pushchairs by adding the seat or carrycot the frame.

Most tandem buggies are designed with the seats facing one another and offer a variety of seat configurations which allows your children to see each other when they ride. If your children are of a similar age, they may be able to get along or at least not argue over who gets the most comfortable seats. You might find that they prefer sitting together rather than next to each other.

A great choice for families with twins or younger siblings who need to sit side by side is the iCandy Venus. This stylish and budget-friendly buggy also comes with the added benefit of being able take an infant car seat as well and expand with your family. To ensure that your infants are snuggly and warm in their cocoons, iCandy also comes with additional accessories that other brands charge for separately, like fleecy liners.

Another option for growing families is the Egg2. This stylish pushchair, which is popular with parents who are conscious of their appearance and want to look their best lightweight double stroller, can be used as a single stroller or double stroller thanks to its adaptors that permit you to add a seat or carrycot. It's not the cheapest double stroller, however it does come with some unique features which make it stand out from its competitors. One of these is an enormous basket that can be placed behind seat when in the parent-facing position.

Style

Double buggies are usually larger and heavier. If you plan to buy one that you will use for several years be aware of this. They do have more storage space and a bigger basket. These seats are also equipped with a parent facing seat as well as a sunshade which can be extended and a peekaboo window. They may also have seats that recline independently. Some models come with an adjustable leg and foot rest that can be adjusted to alleviate any discomfort caused by long walking or prolonged periods of sitting.

Tandems, side-by-sides and tandems are the most sought-after types of double buggy. Tandems are designed with the children seated side-byside, giving them the same perspective. This can help avoid sibling rivalries over where to sit. They're not foolproof. Children may still punch or kick one another when they ride. Side-by-sides are a classic design, with two fixed seats assembled on the same frame of a stroller. They may not offer the same number of configurations, and are best compact double stroller suited for babies who can sit without assistance but do not need the back support provided by an infant car seat.

Our lab experts recommend the Cybex venus if you are seeking a light, double from birth. This innovative model can be expanded width-wise in order to change from mono to twin mode, taking either two or more carrycots or infant seats. It's also compact when folded and features a spacious shopping basket as well as rear and front suspensions to ensure a smoother ride. The seats and the optional RumbleSeat are padded and comfortable, with built-in adjustable foot and leg rests, as well as generous UPF 50+ canopy which provide plenty of shade.

Another good-value choice is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. Similar to the Venus, it's a side-by-side pushchair that is able to be configured to suit your family. The pushchair can be set up to accommodate twins or an infant seat. You can also include the Baby Jogger Glider Board as an additional child. The seat can be reclined independently and the City Mini GT2 features some of the most nimble handling of double buggies, with users stating it's a breeze to manoeuvre up and down kerbs.

Comfort

The padding and fabric are comfortable for both kids and adults, plus the UPF 50+ canopy is long enough to provide real shade, and also has a cute peekaboo window. Our test subjects also liked that the seat reclines at multiple angles. The only drawback is that the fold isn't as compact as some other models, however our lab experts say it is easy to open and close.

Double buggies weigh more, are bulkier, and more expensive, but are a great investment for families with two children who are similar in age (generally less than 4 years old). Choose a brand that will last for many years and retain its value.

Tandem buggies are initially one pushchair. They come with adaptors that allow you to add another seat, a carrycot, or (in certain cases) car seats to the frame. Some are fixed doubles while others, like this one by Leclerc can be converted to a side-by-side configuration when your children are old enough.

A side-by-side double buggy generally wider than other types, but it is more maneuverable over kerbs because the weight is distributed more evenly. It's not a guarantee to avoid sibling fights. Children sharing the same seat can kick or punch one another while riding.

A front-facing tandem could be an excellent alternative to a traditional side-by-side model for older children. It can also lessen the likelihood of sibling fights since your children aren't directly in front of each other. Some children might feel left out in a tandem that is facing toward the rear, as they don't get the same view.

The egg2 is sleek, modern design and an attractive price. Our test subjects loved how easy it is to 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 from newborn, or as the combination of carrycot(s)/infant seats or car seat(s) for twins - it's the most flexible of our double buggies which is the reason it's been a MadeForMums favourite since 2009. It's not the least expensive double stroller on the market however it's competitively priced and offers a great resale value.

Storage

If you have more than one child having a double pushchair from birth will make your life much easier when out and about. There's a broad selection of double strollers on the market from tandems to side-by-sides and tandems in different styles and colours. But, you must be aware of your family's needs and what features are important to you before making a purchase. Evaluating your requirements will help you to narrow down the options and select the right double pram for you.

A quality lightweight double stroller buggy should be quick, easy to maneuver and should be light. This is particularly crucial if you live in an urban setting where you'll require an extra pram to tackle busy streets and fit into narrow doorways for lunch runs and shopping days out.

Most of the best double buggy that converts to single buggies have suspensions to cushion the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces. They also come with recline functions for when your child wants to nap. It is also crucial that both seats come with comfortable buckles and straps, built-in adjustable leg and foot rests and UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows, and seats that can be reversible to allow siblings to face each other and the world around them.

When you are choosing a double stroller take into consideration how compact the stroller can be when folded. Some double buggies can be folded down to a compact size that's easy to carry and will fit in tight spaces like cabinets. Some double stroller with infant car seat buggies are designed to fold up into an incredibly compact size that is easy to carry and can fit in small spaces like cupboards.

If you're on an extremely tight budget, you can still find double strollers at an affordable price. The Cybex Influencer for instance is a stroller that can be used as a single stroller or a double stroller. It also comes with a basket underneath the seat when in parent-facing mode. It is light it folds flat and has a very high resale cost.

The UPPAbaby Vista is also an ideal option for families since it can be configured with different seating arrangements and can accommodate two infant car seats. It comes with reversible seats, to allow your children to face one another or the world, and it can also be equipped with a bassinet suitable for infants.