Buying a Double Pushchair From Birth

If you enjoy long walks with your toddler and you are planning an additional child, a double pushchair will simplify your family life. Luckily there are many choices to choose from.

The majority of tandem buggies can adapt to a variety of configurations. For example, some have seats that can be reversed to let your siblings face each other or to the side.

Size

If you're considering purchasing a double pushchair from birth it's worth bearing in mind that they are generally larger than single buggies. It is important to ensure that the buggy is able to fit through the doors of your house and is capable of easily moving up and over kerbs and stairs.

Double strollers come in two different designs that are tandem and side-by-side. Tandem buggies can be an ideal option for parents with twins. Side-by-side strollers work for children of all ages, and can be converted to a double-sized stroller by adding a seat.

Most tandem buggies are built with the seats facing each other and provide a variety of seat configurations, which allows your children to see each other while they ride. However, if your children are close enough in age to be able to coexist (or at least not fight over who gets the most comfortable seat!) you might find that they're more at ease sitting together rather than facing 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 also has the added bonus of being able to take an infant car seat as well which means it can 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 cost separately, such as fleecy liner.

Egg2 is a different option for families growing. This stylish pushchair is a popular choice for image-conscious parents, and it can be used as a single or in a double configuration thanks to its flexible frame that has adaptors available to add seats or a carrycot. It's not the cheapest double stroller, but it has distinct features that set it apart from other strollers. One of them is a large basket that sits behind the seat when it's in parent-facing mode.

Style

Most double buggies are heavier and bulkier than single buggies, so bear that in mind if you're contemplating buying a vehicle that will see you through many years. However, they offer more storage space, typically with a larger shopping basket. These seats are also equipped with a seat that faces the parent, a sunshade that can be extended, and a peekaboo window. They might also have seats that can recline independently. Some have an adjustable foot and leg rests which eases any discomfort that is caused by long walks or prolonged periods of sitting.

The most popular double buggy styles include side-by-sides and tandems. Tandems are designed with children sitting side-by-side and sharing the same perspective. This can prevent sibling rivalries over where to sit. However, they're still not 100% secure, and children are able to punch or kick each other while riding. The side-by-side format is more traditional with two fixed seats positioned on a single wide stroller frame. They don't offer the same number of configurations, and they're usually recommended for infants who have mastered sitting without assistance but don't yet need the back support of a car seat.

Our lab experts recommend the Cybex venus if you are looking for a light double from birth. This innovative model can be converted from mono to twin by expanding widthways. It can accommodate one or two infant seats or carrycots. The compact folding design comes with a large shopping basket, front and rear suspension, and a large shopping bag to ensure a smoother ride. The seats, including the RumbleSeat are padded, comfortable, and have adjustable leg and footrests. They also have a generous UPF 50+ canopy, which provides plenty of shade.

Another option that is a good value is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. It's a two-in-one pushchair, similar to the Venus. It is possible to configure it to meet your needs. The pushchair is able to be set to accommodate twins or a single infant seat. You can also add 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 agile handling among double buggies with testers reporting it's easy to maneuver through kerbs and up and down.

Comfort

The padding and fabric are a comfortable fit for both children and adults, plus the UPF 50+ canopy is wide enough to provide real shade, and also offers a cute peekaboo view. The seat reclines in a variety of positions, which our testers loved. The only drawback is that the fold isn't as compact as other models, however our lab experts say it opens and closes easily.

Double buggies are larger, heavier and more expensive however they are a great investment for families who have two children of the same age (generally younger than 4 years old). Select a brand that can last for many years and will not lose its value.

Tandem buggies started out as a single and double stroller pushchair, but they can be fitted with adaptors that permit the addition of an additional seat or carrycot (in certain situations) a car seat to the frame. Some are fixed doubles, while others - like this one made by Leclerc - can switch to a side-by-side arrangement when your children are ready to do so.

While a side-byside is generally wider than other types of cheap double stroller buggy it is able to maneuver through kerbs, as the weight is spread more evenly. It's not a guarantee to avoid sibling fights. Children in the same seat may punch or kick each other while riding.

A front-facing tandem is an excellent alternative to a traditional side-by-side model for older children. It can also lessen the chance of fighting between siblings as your kids are not directly facing each other. It's important to remember that some children may feel left out or isolated when they're in a front-facing tandem double buggy as they won't have the same view of their surroundings.

The egg2 is sleek modern design, a contemporary style and an attractive price. Our test subjects loved how easy it is to push, but wanted it had more storage space and that the handlebars were more comfortable. It is suitable for babies and can be used as a twin stroller starting at the time of birth. It's not the cheapest double stroller on the market but it's reasonably priced and has excellent potential for resales.

Storage

If you have more than one child, a double pushchair from birth will make your life easier when out and out and about. There is a wide range of double strollers on the market from tandems to side-by-sides in different styles and colours. However, you should think carefully about your family's lifestyle and what features are important to you prior purchasing a product. By assessing your needs, you can narrow down your options and choose the most appropriate double pram.

A good double buggy should be small and user-friendly. This is especially important when you live in an urban area and you require a double buggy that is able to navigate through busy streets and fit through doorways that are narrow to go to the shops or for lunch runs.

Many of the best double buggies come with suspension that will soften the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces as well as a recline feature for those times when your child would like to sleep. Both seats should have adjustable foot and leg rests, a UPF 50+ canopy, with windows that peek out, as well as comfortable buckles and straps.

When choosing a double stroller it is important to consider how compact the stroller can be when folded. Certain double buggies are designed to fold into smaller sizes that are easy to carry and fit into small spaces, such as cupboards. Some may be a bit heavier but they will be easy to transport and store.

If you're on an extremely tight budget, you can still find double strollers for sale at a great price. For example, the Cybex Influencer can be used as a single or double and includes an under-seat basket that can be placed underneath the seat when facing towards parents. It's also light and can be folded flat and has a great resale value.

The UPPAbaby is a fantastic choice for families, as it can fit two infant car seats and be set up in various ways. It comes with reversible seats so that your children can sit facing each other or the world and it can be fitted with a bassinet for newborns.