Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?
If you have twins or two kids close in age, a double pushchair will give the flexibility you need to accommodate your growing family. Select from side-by-side or tandem models like the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 that's narrow enough to fit through standard doorways.
Many models are compatible with an infant car seats and include reclining seats. Some models can be changed to single mode. The egg2 Pushchair is a popular choice for its style and flexibility.
Side by Side
Side-by-side strollers are an excellent option for families with twins or siblings of various ages. These typically offer 2 fixed seats with a single canopy and they're usually wider than an inline buggy, which gives each child the same view. They're easy to navigate, and some come with front and rear suspensions to allow to help with handling bumps or over the kerb while turning.
While they are more expensive than other types of double buggies, they tend to be more resale-worthy particularly if you select an established brand. These buggies are also great for jogging and can be used on rough terrain. The seats provide plenty of space for your children to sit comfortably. Buggies are available in a range of colors and styles to match your family's tastes.
Some models come with additional accessories to help keep your baby in a comfortable position. These can include seat cushions, head supports, and baby blankets. Some may have pockets to store snacks and toys. Parents can get a buggy that has a console to keep essentials close at hand.
This popular buggy's 2023 version has a new look and a bigger sun canopy, and new logos. It's a stylish choice for parents who are image-conscious and is compatible with iCandy child car seats. It's simple to put together, but Kerry found that it took a long time to take the pieces out of their boxes. However, the packaging was well-labeled and clever which made it easy to know what to expect from each component.
It's a bit heavier than other double buggies, but it's still fairly light for an inline model. It's also extremely versatile and can be used with either one or two infant car seats. It can also switch from a single seat to a tandem with a single click, which is a big advantage for families with growing children.
The Vista v2 from UPPAbaby is another top pick for double strollers, and it's perfect for busy parents. It's extremely easy to maneuver in tight spaces and handles difficult terrain with ease. It comes with a large basket, independent recline on both seats, and a five-point padded harness to keep your children safe.
Tandem
The innovative frame of this pushchair can be expanded width-wise which allows you to add a second seat without compromising on space. It's a great option for twins as young as birth and can take two car seats or carrycots also, making it a fantastic travel system for road trips. It's a bit heavier and longer than some of its rivals, but it offers a lot of storage space and a large shopping basket. The iCandy Peach has a sleek, stylish design that is loved by parents who are a bit glam. Its reclining seat can be adjusted to four different positions, and it'll grow with your children up to 25kg. The addition of a second seat is simple thanks to the quick-release Velcro fastenings, and this model can be used in tandem mode with one child sitting on top of the other. It's an excellent option for sleepy babies that you don't want to disturb in their sleep.
The seat is positioned one in front of the other in this setup and it's difficult for toddlers to keep from distracting one another while out and out and about. This type of pushchair typically comes with a cushioned main seat that can recline fully making it suitable for infants. Many models have an elevated and more upright seat for children who are older. Depending on the style it is possible to position them facing each other or to the world. With a tandem pushchair it's more streamlined to fit through doorways that are narrow, however it may be difficult to navigate stairs and kerbs with two children.
A fantastic choice for families with special needs, this versatile pushchair is a great solution for children with disabilities who benefit from having a younger sibling to play with and encourage. It's a bit pricey but the solid construction is made to last, and there's plenty of storage space for all the things you'll require. It comes with a range of accessories to enable you to customize the buggy to suit your family's needs for example, rain covers or liner.
Lightweight
The best twin buggy lightweight double strollers are compact easy to maneuver and nimble. They're typically constructed of a sturdy aluminum frame, and some come with air-filled wheels to help them glide over even rough surfaces. Some models come with an easy fold that can be folded with one hand and shoulder straps, making them more convenient to carry. You can also look for other accessories such as a sunshade, rain cover, and foot muff.
If you're after a lightweight double buggy that has a reasonable price, then the Cybex Mios is worth considering. It's a traveling 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 features a side-byside design and both seats recline independently making it a perfect position for toddlers and infants. It comes with a huge UPF 50+ canopy, peekaboo windows and a toddler seat that's fully cushioned and adjustable.
UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another top contender. It can carry twins or a baby as well as a toddler, and it is compatible with a range of car seats. It has an elegant and stylish frame with big back wheels to cope with rough terrain, and is also suitable for running. The double mode can make it a bit too long, and there is no storage underneath the seat.
When comparing different double pushchairs, take into consideration the weight of each seat, frame and suspension. The heavier the pushchair is and the heavier it is, the more difficult it will be to push. This is especially in the case of uneven surfaces. Also, check the dimensions for folding and whether or not you are able to remove the seats, which makes it more compact. Check for features like a simple one-handed fold which home tester Kirstie described as "genius" and a handy strap to sling over your shoulders.
You can also opt for a tandem double stroller that places the children one behind another. It's not as agile however, it's still an ideal choice for families with multiple children. It could be better suited for older toddlers. You'll also find some tandems that have reclining seats which allow children to lie down or sit down based on their moods and needs.
Confortable
If you're a parent of twins or two siblings close in age, having the right double pushchair can make getting out much simpler. There are a variety of comfy options on the market. There are plenty of options for families, no matter if you're looking for a side by side model that can fit the carrycot as well as an additional seat or a tandem model with an rear and front seat that can be interchanged.
In addition to padded straps, buckles and headrests, you should look for seats with multiple recline positions and adjustable Calf rests. 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 strollers also have a huge UPF50+ sun canopy, magnetic peekaboo windows and a handy hood extension that protects your child from harmful UV rays.
Convertible Doubles
One way to save money is to buy an adjustable pushchair that can convert from single to double buggy with carrycot mode as your children develop. The egg2, for example is a fashionable option that can be used with the toddler seat included or baby carrier right from birth. It even offers a second add-on RumbleSeat for older siblings. Its reclining seats as well as its spacious comfortable carrycots are appreciated by home testers, who appreciate how it can expand with your family.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a budget option that will last from birth to toddlerhood, check out the iCandy Venus. It comes with a footmuff and seat, but can be converted into a twin-sized stroller by using the brand's infant Cocoons (available at PS59 per piece). Our labs loved how simple it is to switch between different configurations and found the instructions to be clear and easy to follow - even though it takes some practice to get it all out of the box.
Some double pushchairs allow the children to be seated in a row and are usually world facing. However there are some notable exceptions like the Bugaboo Donkey or Mountain Buggy Duet that can be set up to be front and rear facing (though this will increase overall chassis width). Tandems are typically more maneuverable through kerbs, but they it can be a struggle to navigate through narrow doorways and aisles.