Choosing a Double Pushchair

A double pushchair offers parents the option of transporting their children side-byside or in tandem. This is ideal for twins or siblings who are similar in age.

When shopping for a double pushchair your family's needs and budget. Double buggies come in various styles, from lightweight models to all-terrain models.

Size

A double pushchair is an important purchase and the size of your family will play a significant part in the decision-making process. There are a variety of choices that are light and compact available for those with limited space.

We recommend you take measurements of the entrances and aisles of your home and any public spaces in which you expect to use the pram bag. It is an excellent idea to buy a cardboard cut-out of your new pushchair so that you can see how it will fit in these spaces before making a final decision.

It is also important to consider where you will be storing the pushchair since it might not be a good idea to keep it in the back of your car for long periods of time. If you intend to travel frequently using public transport, it's crucial that the double pushchair folds to a smaller size and is easy to take off and on trains, buses and trams.

The majority of double strollers and pushchairs are made to accommodate two children side-by-side. (The Bugaboo Donkey 5 and Mountain Buggy Duet are exceptions). There are a few models with two seats that can be reversed to face you (eg. The Babyzen YOYO+ Twin is a popular option for families with twins or siblings.

A majority of the top-rated double pushchairs work with different infant car seat and toddler seats. For instance, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is compatible with two car seats and has the ability to reversibly seat so that one child can sit up facing their sibling or face out to explore the world around them.

The stylish and practical side-by-side double pushchairs such as the Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo offer sleek design and are suitable for babies from birth to toddlers. They can be used with two carrycots, and come in a variety of configurations including the option to connect a single infant carrier. This makes them an excellent choice for families with twins or babies who are close.

Style

When you're choosing a double pushchair, it is crucial to consider how your children are likely to fit in them. This will be influenced by their height, age and needs, but you'll also need to think about the design of the pushchair and the ease of use. It is recommended to read reviews of the products to get an idea of what people's opinions.

There are two main types of double strollers that you can choose from. The majority of side-by-side strollers have the children facing the world (although certain models, such as the Bugaboo Donkey or Mountain Buggy Duet, allow you to switch this). Tandem pushchairs place one in the rear and one in the front and they're usually more upright than side-by-side models. They're not as compact and aren't as easy to maneuver on narrow roads but they're a great option for older toddlers because they can sit and observe the world around them.

For families looking for an easy-going, lightweight and cost-effective double pushchair, the Cybex Aton 2 is a great option. It places kids close to each other, so they can sit and talk or play together and it can accommodate two car seats, should you require them.

The seat and carrycot have five-point harnesses and adjustable foot and leg rests. The UPF 50+ canopy can be extended to provide shade and it also comes with the ability to peek behind to let kids take in the view while they travel. The frame is not designed for rough terrain, but it can withstand urban streets and shopping aisles.

It's simple to fold and set up and it has a handy storage basket underneath the seats. It's a little more expensive than other lightweight double buggies but it has many configurations to meet different requirements and is a great option for older toddlers. You can add an extra running board for older kids to give them more stability when standing up. It can even convert into a single-buggy by replacing one of the seats with a side basket, if you don't need both children to ride in it anymore.

Budget

A double pushchair is an excellent investment for parents to be as well as parents of two children. They're more expensive but a quality double stroller will last for several years. So, before you buy, evaluate your family's needs and priorities, taking into consideration things such as the age range of children, the terrain you intend to travel through, your lifestyle and features that hold utmost importance to you.

For instance, if you and your children are born at fairly close intervals and you'd prefer the side-by-side design that will let the child with the smallest sit facing the older sibling to bond and provide reassurance. On the other hand, if you live in an urban setting and plan to use public transport frequently, then you might want a lightweight and compact double buggy that folds easily and fits into lifts as well as narrow doorways.

A tandem pushchair lets your older child (or twins) to sit behind the younger child. Some models offer the option of having them face each other or even world facing so your children can explore their surroundings independently of one another. Tandems are slightly more difficult to steer and may be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs but they are much easier to fit into narrow doorways and aisles.

Some models are designed to be extremely flexible and convert back into one pushchair when you don't need the second seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double and Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite are two examples of this.

You should also consider the amount of space you will need to store things. Some double pushchairs travel systems (recommended site) come with a large basket under the carriage, whereas others only have small storage pockets or none at all. If you plan on using your double pushchair for frequent shopping or long distance walking travelling, you may prefer one that has large storage space.

Other important factors include safety and convenience, as well as the ease of cleaning. You'll want a pushchair that has easy-to-clean fabric and wheels that can be washed by machine. You should also check that the buckles are easy to secure and remove, especially for a baby.

Test-driving

When selecting a double buggy there are a variety of aspects to consider, such as the weight, folded size and the type of wheels. Also make sure the brand you choose has a good reputation for quality, as this will maximise the resale value when you're ready to move on.

When folded side-by-side models are smaller and are more comfortable moving across and down kerbs. However, they may not fit through all doorways and could prove a problem for families with larger numbers.

The Cybex Xeon 3 is a elegant and light option that works equally well with two children as it does with just one. It is also possible to use it in single mode, with a basket next to it. This is a great solution for parents with little storage space. Our home tester Sophie found it easy to steer even with two kids in the seats and really loved the fact that you can fold it up with the seat removed, which makes it much smaller.