Choosing a Double Pushchair

A double pushchair gives parents the option of transporting their children side-by-side or together. This is a great option for twins or siblings close in age.

When you are looking for a double pushchair, consider your family's needs and budget. Double buggies come in different styles, from lightweight models to all-terrain versions.

Size

A double pushchair is a major purchase and the size of your family will play a major role in the decision-making process. However, there are plenty of options available that are compact and lightweight when space is a problem.

We recommend you take measurements of the doorways and aisles in your home as well as any public spaces where you expect to use the pram. It can be an excellent idea to buy a cardboard cut-out of the new pushchair to ensure you can observe how it fits through these spaces before making a decision.

You must also think about where you plan to store the pushchair, as it might not be convenient to store it in the car's boot for extended periods. If you are planning to travel with public transport, it's important that the double stroller folds into a small size. It is also essential to be able to get on and off buses, trains and trolleys.

The majority of double strollers and pushchairs were designed to carry 2 children side-by-side. (The Bugaboo Donkey 5 and Mountain Buggy Duet are exceptions). There are a few models that have both seats can be reversed to face you (eg. the Babyzen YOYO+ Twin) however, they are usually reserved for families who have twins or very close relatives.

A lot of the top-rated double pushchairs are able to be customised to work with different infant car seats as well as toddler seats. For instance the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is compatible with two car seats and features an reversible seat, to allow one child to sit up facing their sibling or look out to discover the world around them.

The Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo is a stylish and practical double pushchair with a streamlined look and is suitable for children of all age groups. They can be used in a variety of configurations, including attaching a single infant carrier. This makes them an excellent option for families with twins or babies who are very close.

Style

When you're choosing a double pushchair, it's important to consider how your children are going to fit in them. This will be determined by their height, age and requirements, but you'll also need to consider the design of the pushchair as well as its ease of use. It's worth reading the user reviews to get a feel for what people think of and dislike about the products they've bought.

There are two main types of double strollers that you can choose from. The majority of strollers with side-byside seating have the children facing the world (although some models, like the Bugaboo Donkey or Mountain Buggy Duet permit you to switch this). Tandem pushchairs place one in the back and one in front and are generally more upright than side-by-side models. They aren't 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 see the world around them.

For families looking for a lightweight, versatile and cost-effective double pushchair, the Cybex Aton 2 is a great option. It can seat children next to each other so they can sit and talk or play together and there's room for two car seats should you require them.

The seat and carrycot have five-point harnesses and adjustable leg and feet rests. The UPF 50+ canopy is able to provide shade that is real and has a peekaboo window so kids can take in the view while they move. The frame is not designed for a rough terrain, but it is able to handle urban streets and shopping aisles.

It's easy to fold and put together and also comes with a storage basket beneath the seats. It's a bit more expensive than other light double buggies, but it comes with many configurations to meet different requirements and is an excellent option for older toddlers. It can be fitted with an extra running board for older children to give them more stability when standing up. It can also be converted into a single-buggy 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

A double pushchair is an excellent option for parents who are about to be and those with two young children. They're more expensive however, a good double stroller will last for many years. Before you purchase a stroller travel be sure to consider your family's needs and requirements. Take into account things like the age of your children and the terrain you'll be navigating, your preferences and other features that are important to you.

For example, if your children are born within a relatively short timeframe, then you may want to consider a side-by-side style that can let the child with the smallest sit with their older sibling to bond and provide reassurance. If you reside in a major city and intend to take public transportation often, you might require a compact, lightweight double buggy. It should be simple to fold and can be tucked away into elevators and narrow doors.

A tandem pushchair is ideal for twins or babies who were born closer together as it allows your older child to sit behind the younger one. Some models also provide the option to face each other or even world facing, so that your children can explore their surroundings independently of one another. Tandems can be difficult to maneuver and may be difficult to maneuver up and double pushchair over kerbs, however, they are more suitable for narrow doorways and shopping aisles.

Some models are designed for flexibility and can be changed back to a single stroller in the event that you don't need the second seat. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double and Joovy Caboose Ultralight graphite are two examples of this.

Another thing to think about is the amount of storage space you will require. Some double pushchairs have an ample undercarriage basket, while others have smaller pockets for storage or double pushchair have no storage at all. If you intend to make use of your double pushchair regularly to shop, walk long distances or travelling in general, you may want a model with spacious storage that can hold big shopping bags.

Other important factors include safety, convenience and the ease of cleaning. You'll want a pushchair with a fabric that is easy to clean and wheels that are machine washable. 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 take into consideration, including the weight, folded size and the type of wheels. Make sure you choose an established brand with a great reputation, as this will increase the resale value when you are ready to move.

Side-by-side doubles are more compact when folded and tend to have a bit easier time getting up and down kerbs than tandem models. However, they might not fit through all doors and may be a struggle for families with larger numbers.

The Cybex Xeon 3 has a stylish, lightweight design that works just as well when two children are in the seat as when one child is. It also has the option to use the seat in single mode with a basket for shopping beside it an ideal solution for parents with a limited storage space. Sophie who was our home tester found it easy to maneuver even with two children in the seats. She also appreciated the fact that it folds with the seat removed. This makes it more compact.