Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?

If you're expecting twins or two children close in age, a double pushchair offers you the flexibility you need to accommodate your growing family. Pick from side-byside or tandem models such as the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 that's small enough to fit through standard doors.

Many models also come with reclining seats that lay flat and can be used with infant car seats. Some even convert to single mode, as with the egg2 Pushchair that's loved for its design and versatility.

Side by Side

The side-by-side buggy is a classic option for families with twins or siblings of different age groups. These typically offer 2 fixed seats with a single to double stroller canopy, and are usually larger than an inline buggy to give both children the same view. They are easy to maneuver and some even have front and rear suspensions to help with traversing kerbs or bumps.

They can be more expensive than other double buggies however they offer a higher selling price, particularly when they're a popular brand. They're also ideal for jogging and can tackle rough terrain. The seats offer plenty of space for your children to comfortably sit. These buggies come in a variety of colours and styles to match your family's taste.

Some models come with additional accessories that will help to keep your baby snug. These can include head supports and baby blankets. Some of them may include pockets to store snacks and toys. Parents can find a buggy that has a console that keeps essentials close at hand.

The 2023 version of this cult buggy features a fresh design, a bigger sun canopy and fresh logos. It's an attractive option for parents who are conscious of their image and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's also easy to put together however Kerry found that it took a long time to get all of the parts out of the boxes. The packaging was clever and well-labeled making it easier to determine what you can expect from each component.

It's a little heavier than other double buggies but it's still quite light for an inline model. It's also extremely versatile and can be used with one or two infant car seats. It can also switch from a single seat to tandem with just one click, which is a big benefit for families that are growing.

The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is another top pick for double strollers. It's ideal for busy parents. It's extremely easy to maneuver through tight spaces and handles difficult terrain easily. It also comes with a large shopping basket, a recline that is independent for both seats, and a padded 5-point 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 space. It's an excellent choice for twins from birth and can take 2 carrycots or car seats as well, making it a fantastic travel system for off road double buggy trips. It's a bit heavier and longer than some of its competitors, however it offers a lot of storage space including an enormous shopping basket. The iCandy Peach is a favourite among parents who are obsessed with their image and has an extremely stylish, sleek design. Its seat can be adjusted into four different positions and can grow with your child up to 25kg. The quick-release Velcro fasteners allow you to add a second seat. This model can be used in tandem mode, with one child on top of another. It's a great option when you have a newborn who you don't want to disturb in their sleep.

The seats are placed one in front of the other which makes it more difficult for toddlers and their parents to get distracted while out and about. This type of pushchair typically has a padded main seat that is able to recline completely and is suitable for infants. A lot of models have a higher, more upright seat in the back for older children, and it's usually possible to set them to be facing one another or face each other, depending on the style of the pushchair. It's much easier to maneuver through narrow doors with a tandem pushchair but it can be hard to get up kerbs and stairs with two children with you.

A great option for families with special needs, this versatile pushchair is a nifty solution for children with disabilities that benefit from having a younger sibling to play with and encourage. It's not cheap, but the sturdy construction is made to last, and there's plenty of storage space for all the things you'll require. It comes with a variety of accessories that let you to customise the buggy to suit your family, like rain covers and liner.

Lightweight

The best lightweight double pushchairs are nimble, most compact double stroller and easy to use. Some come with air-filled tires that aid in their glide on rough surfaces. Some models have one-handed folds and shoulder straps that make them easier for you to carry. Find additional accessories such as a sunshade, rain cover and foot muff.

The Cybex Mios is a lightweight double push chair stroller with low cost. It straddles two categories as it's a complete travel system and a lightweight Double pushchair buggy that can be used from birth, with the addition of a carrycot. It is a side-by-side model and both seats recline independently offering an ideal positioning for babies and toddlers. It comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out, and the toddler seat is cushioned and has adjustable leg and foot rests.

Another popular option is the UPPAbaby Vista 2. It can accommodate twins, or a baby and toddler. It is compatible with a variety of car seats. It features a stylish and sleek frame with large wheels on the back to handle rough terrain. It's also ideal for jogging. It's a little long when in double mode, and there's no storage space underneath the seat.

When comparing double pushchairs, consider the weight of each seat as well as the frame and suspension. The heavier the buggy is and the heavier it is, the more difficult it will be to push. This is especially true on uneven surfaces. Also, check the dimensions for folding and whether or not you are able to remove the seats, which makes it smaller. Consider features such as one-handed folding, which Kirstie who was a home tester at the time, described as "genius", or a strap can be slung over your shoulder.

Alternatively, you can opt for a tandem pushchair, which places children in a row behind one another. It's not as easy to maneuver as a side-by-side, however it's still a viable alternative for families of all sizes and could be more suitable for older toddlers. Some tandems have reclining seats that let children lay down or sit up depending on their mood.

Comfortable

If you're the parent of twins or two siblings close in age, having the perfect double pushchair can make outings significantly easier. Thankfully, there's a wide selection of comfortable options on the market. There are plenty of options for families, no matter if you're searching for a side-by- side model that can accommodate the carrycot as well as an additional seat or a tandem that has seats in the front and back that can be switched.

In addition to buckles, straps with padding and headrests, search for seats with multiple recline positions and adjustable calf rests. These are often controlled by one-handed buttons located at the rear of the seat. (Though in our testing this could be a little fiddly for small-handed parents). Some of the top double strollers also have an enormous UPF50+ sun canopy, a magnetic peekaboo windows and a handy hood extension that shields your child from harmful UV radiation.

Convertible Doubles

One way to save money is to invest in a convertible pushchair that can be converted from single to double mode as your children grow. The egg2, as an example, is a chic option that can be used from birth using the baby or toddler carriers and even comes with a RumbleSeat as an additional feature for older siblings. The reclining seats and spacious carrycots were particularly well received by test subjects at home who loved how it could grow with your family.

If you're looking for a low-cost option that can last into toddlerhood and beyond the iCandy Venus is a great choice. It comes with a seat and footmuff, but it can also be used with the brand's newborn cocoons (available separately at PS59 each) to transform it into a twin pram that is suitable for twins or toddlers. Our labs loved how easy it is to change between configurations and found the directions clear and straightforward - although it takes some practice to master the process of the box.

Some double pushchairs only allow you to place with your children in a row and are generally oriented towards the world, but there are some exceptions such as the Bugaboo Donkey and Mountain Buggy Duet that can be configured to have both front and rear facing seating (though this will increase the overall size of the chassis). Kerb popping is usually easier with a tandem but getting through doorways and narrow aisles for shopping can be an issue at times.