Choosing a Double Pushchair
A double pushchair gives parents the option of bringing their children side-by-side or together. This is ideal for twins and siblings who are similar in age.
Take into consideration your family's budget and needs when you are looking for a double stroller. Double buggies are available in various designs, from light models to all-terrain.
Size
A double pushchair is an investment of a significant amount, and the size of your household will influence the decision. There are a variety of options that are lightweight and compact available if you have limited space.
We recommend you take measurements of the aisles and doors in your home and any public spaces in which you are likely to use the pram. You can purchase a cardboard cutout of your new stroller to see how it fits in these spaces prior to making your final decision.
You should also consider the location you intend to keep the pushchair since it may not always be convenient to store it in your car's boot for prolonged periods. If you plan to travel using public transport, it is crucial that the double stroller folds up into a compact size. It must also be easy to get onto and off buses, trains and trolleys.
The majority of double strollers and pushchairs are designed to carry 2 children side-by-side. (The Bugaboo Donkey 5 and Mountain Buggy Duet are exceptions). Some models allow you to reverse both seats so that they face you. the Babyzen YOYO+ Twin) however, they are usually reserved for families who have twins or very close siblings.
A lot of the top double pushchairs can be customised to fit different infant car seats as well as toddler seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is compatible with two child car seats. It also has reversible seats so that a child can be seated next to their siblings while the other can gaze out and explore the world.
The Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo is an elegant and practical double pushchair with a streamlined look and is suitable for children of all age groups. They can be used with two soft carrycots, and come in a variety of configurations including the option to connect an infant carrier with a single strap. This makes them an ideal option for families with twins or very close babies.
Style
It's important to think about how your children will be able to fit in a double stroller. This will be influenced by their age, height and requirements, but you'll also need to consider the design of the running pushchair as well as how easy it is to use. You should read the reviews of the products to get an idea of what people's opinions.
There are a few main types of double pushchairs that you can pick from. Side-by-side pushchairs place children in tandem, with the majority being world-facing (although there are some models that let you change this, like the Bugaboo Donkey and Mountain Buggy Duet). Tandem pushchairs place one in the back and one in front and they're usually more upright than side-by-side models. They're not as compact and can be tricky to maneuver on narrow streets however they're a great choice for older toddlers as they can sit up and observe the world around them.
For families looking for an easy-going, lightweight and affordable double pushchair then the Cybex Aton 2 is a good choice. It places kids close to each other, so they can sit and talk or play together and it has room for two car seats too should you require them.
The seat and the carrycot are comfortable and padded with five-point harnesses, crotch pads and adjustable foot and leg rests. The UPF 50+ canopy extends to provide real shade and includes a peekaboo window so kids can take in the view as they move. The frame isn't designed to withstand rough terrain, but it can handle urban streets and shopping aisles.
It's easy to fold and put together and it also has an storage basket underneath the seats. It's more expensive than other lightweight double buggies, but it offers plenty of configurations to suit different requirements and is a great option for older toddlers. It can be fitted with an exercise board for older children to give them extra stability when they're standing up. It can also be converted to a single triple stroller by replacing one of the seats with a side-basket if you don't require both children to ride in it for any length of time.
Budget
If you're a parent-to-be or have two children A double pushchair can be a great investment. Although they cost more than single strollers, you can purchase an excellent quality model that will last for several years. So before making your purchase consider your family's priorities and needs and take into account things like age range of children, the terrain you want to traverse, lifestyle and features that hold utmost importance to you.
For example, if your kids are both born at a fairly short distance then you may want to consider an arrangement that allows for a side-by-side layout to allow the younger child to sit in front of the older sibling for bonding and comfort. On the other hand, if you live in a city and expect to use public transportation a lot, then you might want a compact and lightweight double buggy that folds easily and fits in lifts and narrow doors.
A tandem pushchair is great for twins or infants born closer together as it lets your older child sit behind the younger one. Some models allow you to choose whether your children face one another or out into the world, so they can explore their surroundings in a different way. Tandems can be difficult to maneuver and can be difficult to climb up and over kerbs, but they fit better into narrow aisles and doors.
Some models are designed to be super flexible and can be converted back into one pushchair when you no longer require the second seat. Both the UPPAbaby v2 Double, and Joovy Graphite Caboose Ultralight are two examples.
Another thing to think about is the amount of storage space you need. Some double prams Pushchairs Prams Pushchairs have a large basket under the carriage, whereas other models have only a few storage pockets or none at all. If you plan to make use of your double pushchair regularly to shop, walk long distances or traveling, then you might want an option with a large storage space that can accommodate large shopping bags.
Safety as well as convenience and ease of cleaning are important. You'll want a chair with a fabric that is easy to clean and wheels that are machine washable. Also, make sure that the buckles are simple to unfasten and fasten, especially for a baby.
Test-driving
When selecting a double buggy there are a lot of factors to consider, such as the weight, size of folded and type of wheels. Make sure you choose an established brand with a great reputation, so that you can increase the resale value when you are ready to move.
Side-by-side doubles are smaller when folded, and have a little more ease of moving up and down kerbs than tandem models. However, they might not be able to fit through all doorways and may be a struggle for larger families.
The Cybex Xeon 3 has a elegant, lightweight design that functions equally well when two children are in the seat as it does when one child is. It is also possible to use it in single mode, with a basket positioned next to it. This is a great choice for parents who have little storage space. Our test-driver at home Sophie found it easy to steer even with two kids in the seat and liked the fact that you can fold it with the seat removed, making it much more compact strollers.