Choosing a Double Pushchair

A double pushchair provides parents with the option of bringing their children side-by-side or together. This can be ideal for twins or siblings close in age.

Be aware of your family's budget and requirements when choosing a double stroller. Double buggies range from light to all-terrain models, and come in many designs and configurations.

Size

A double pushchair is an important investment and the size of your family will play an important role in the decision-making process. There are a lot of options on the market that are lightweight and compact when space is a problem.

We recommend that you measure the aisles and doors in your home and any public areas where you expect to use the pushchair. You can purchase a cardboard cutout of your new pram to see how it will fit into these spaces before you make your final decision.

It is also important to consider the location you intend to put the pushchair in storage, as it may not always be convenient to keep it in your car's trunk for extended periods. If you plan to travel by public transport, it is crucial that the double stroller folds into a small size. It is also essential to be able to get on and off trains, buses and trolleys.

Double strollers and pushchairs are designed to carry two children side by side and most are orientated to the world (with the exception of the Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo and the Mountain Buggy Duet). There are a few models available where one or both seats can be reversed to face you (eg. the Babyzen YOYO+ Twin) but they are typically reserved for families with twins or very close relatives.

Many of the top double pushchairs can be customized to fit different infant car seats and toddler seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, for instance, is compatible with two car seats for kids. It also comes with seats that can be reversible so that one child can sit with their sister while the other 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 babies of all different ages. They can be used in a variety of configurations, such as the attachment of a single infant carrier. This makes them an ideal option for families with twins or very close infants.

Style

It's crucial to think about the way your children will fit in a double stroller. This will be determined by their age, height and needs as well as to consider the style of the pushchair and how easy it is to use. It is recommended to read reviews of the products to get a sense of what people's opinions are.

There are several primary types of double pushchairs that you can pick from. The majority of strollers with side-byside seating have the children facing the world (although certain models, such as the Bugaboo Donkey or Mountain Buggy Duet allow you to switch this). Tandem cheap pushchairs place one in the back and one in the front and are usually more upright than side-by-side models. They're not as compact, and can be difficult to navigate on narrow pavements but they're a great choice for older toddlers as they can sit and look around them.

The Cybex Aton 2 double pushchair is an excellent choice for families who are looking for an affordable, lightweight and versatile double stroller. It allows children to sit next to each other and play or talk. There is also room for two car seats should they be needed.

The seat and the carrycot feature five-point harnesses that can be adjusted for foot and leg rests. The UPF 50+ canopy is extendable to provide shade and it also includes an option to peek inside so that children can take in the view while they're on the move. The frame is not designed for a rough terrain, but it can handle urban streets and shopping aisles.

It's simple to fold and set up and has an excellent storage basket under the seats. It's more expensive than other light double buggies, but it offers plenty of configurations to suit different requirements and is an excellent option for older toddlers. You can also add a running board for mobile older kids to give them additional stability when standing up. It could even be converted to a single stroller by replacing one of the seats with a side basket, if you don't want both kids to ride in it for any length of time.

Budget

If you're expecting a child or have two kids, a double pushchair could be an essential investment. They are more expensive, but a high-quality double stroller can last for a long time. So, before you buy consider your family's requirements and priorities and take into account things like the age of your children, terrain you plan to travel through, your the lifestyle of your family and features that are of the highest importance to you.

If your children were born within a very short period, you might want a side-by-side style so that the smaller child can sit alongside the older one for comfort and bonding. If you live in a city and plan to use public transportation frequently, you may require a compact, lightweight double buggy. It should be easy to fold, and fit into narrow doors and elevators.

A tandem pushchair is great for twins or babies who were born closer together as it lets your older child sit behind the younger one. Certain models let you decide if your children are facing one another or the world, so they can explore their surroundings in a different way. Tandems tend to be a little more cumbersome to steer and are difficult to get to and from kerbs, but they are more easily tucked into small doorways and shopping aisles.

Certain models are designed for flexibility and can be converted to a single stroller if you don't need the second seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 double pram and pushchair and Joovy Caboose Ultralight graphite are two examples of this.

You should also consider the amount of space you require to store things. Some double pushchairs come with a large basket under the carriage, while others only have a few pockets for storage or none at all. If you intend to make use of your double pushchair regularly to shop, walk long distances, or for traveling in general, you may want an option with a large storage space that can hold big shopping bags.

Other important aspects include safety as well as convenience and the ease of cleaning. You'll want a chair with a fabric that is easy to clean and wheels that can be washed in the machine. Check that the buckles can be unfastened and fastened easily particularly by a child.

Test-driving

There are lots of things to look out for when choosing a double buggy such as weight, folded size, wheel type and folding mechanism. Also make sure the brand you choose is reputable for quality, as this will increase the value of resales when you're ready for a change.

When folded, side-by-side models are smaller and are more comfortable getting over and under kerbs. They might not fit through every doorway, and larger families may be unable to use them.

The Cybex Xeon 3 is a sleek and lightweight option that can be used just as well with two children as it does with just one. It also has the option to use the seat in single mode with a basket for shopping beside it, a great solution for parents with a limited storage space. Sophie who was our home test subject found it easy to move even with two children in the seats. She also appreciated the fact that it folds with the seat removed. This makes it smaller.