9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Twin Pushchairs
Buying a Twin Pushchair
When shopping for a twin pushchair, it's important to think about the various options that are available. The two main options are tandem double buggies and side-by-side double buggies.
The iCandy Strawberry Twin buggy is a favorite among parents and will grow with your family. It begins life as one, but it can take 2 car seats or carrycots in double mode.
Easy to manoeuvre
A double pushchair cheap can be lifesaving for families with twins or a child and toddler. Double buggys, or twin prams, as they are sometimes called, come in a variety of designs to suit all types of families. Some are side by side, while others have an entrance and a back to accommodate small spaces. Some are able to be converted into single prams when your children have outgrown them. This is a great choice for families with growing children.
They are easier to steer than tandem twin buggies, as the front wheels can be locked for extra stability. There is also more storage behind them. They are also smaller than other twin buggies, and easier to maneuver through doorways and on public transport. They are lighter than other twin prams, and can be more compact, however you may find it difficult to move them on kerbs or on uneven terrain.
If you're after a more modern twin pushchair the iCandy Peach is a stylish choice that's available in a range of colours. It's also a great twin pram for infants and newborns, because of its warm newborn cocoons that provide an enclosed space to lie flat. It has a small basket however it has a remarkable suspension that allows it to take on bumpy surfaces.
Many twin buggies are travel systems with car seats that can attach to the frame. This is a great feature when traveling with babies and toddlers since you don't have to move them from their car to the pushchair. This can cause disturbance to them. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is an example of twin pushchairs that can be used as a travel system and it also features a clever parent facing pushchair-facing mode for newborns.
Tandem twin buggies, on contrary, are generally designed for children of similar ages and are more likely to offer an individual seat for each child. They are less likely to include carrycots for babies less than six months and are generally larger than single buggies. They are still easily maneuverable, however many come with an independent seat recline, so both kids can sit up straight or in a snooze-position.
Easy to fold
If you're buying a double pushchair, you'll probably want it to be easy to fold. This will make it easy to move the buggy around and also store it in smaller spaces. Many brands offer a range of ways to fold the pushchair, so you'll be able find one that suits your needs. Some models come with an adjustable shoulder strap, making it easier to carry.
Most twin pushchairs can be folded using just one hand, however it is worth checking before purchasing that yours will be able to do this. A few of the top models can be folded with the seat removed, which makes them smaller. This is especially helpful when you are limited in storage space.
Another thing to look out for is whether your twin pushchair will be suitable for use through standard doorways. The wide width of tandem buggies may be an issue and it's a good idea to measure the dimensions of your doors prior to you buy. If this is a problem there are smaller models out there that are designed to be more streamlined to maneuver through doorways.
UPPAbaby Vista won our lab tests for its compactness and its ability to fold when not in use. It can carry two infant car seats as well as two toddler seats, making it an excellent choice for growing families. It also has an excellent large storage basket and foam-filled rubber tires that won't go flat.
It's cheaper than the other models we evaluated and is a great choice for twins or babies with similar age groups. It can be used with both an incredibly comfortable carrycot as well as an infant seat, and it can even accommodate three kids by incorporating the UPPAbaby PiggyBack board (sold separately).
If you're in search of a cost-effective double stroller, look into the Chicco Cortina Together. It can hold two Chicco infant car seat which makes it suitable for twins. It also comes with a large storage basket and an easy-to-use handlebar and brakes.
Easy to store
The good news is that not all double buggies are huge, bulky and difficult to keep in storage. There are a variety of models that are designed so they are compact and easy to handle. This allows them to be compact and make it easier to get into and out of a vehicle.
Some twin pushchairs are light which makes them easy to transport and cope with busses, trains and shopping aisles. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is a perfect example, thanks to its light frame and four-wheel suspension, making it a breeze to navigate rough terrain. It can also accommodate twins (or one baby and toddler) by adding an 'in-piggyback' system.
It's worth checking if the storage space is accessible when the seats are both in use. Some side-byside configurations are tricky. The 'one above and one below' tandem style can also hinder access by children's legs. Find large baskets, pockets, and compartments for everything from sun cream and rain covers to snacks and toys.
It is also important to think about the kind of accessories available. Some twin pushchairs come with a range of extras that can be beneficial, from special drink holders for your young ones to snack tray for older children. It's worth looking for a model that has these features, as along with a sun canopy built-in or rain cover, as well as a hood to keep your little children safe.
Many twin pushchairs can be converted into a travel system for families with children, and include the option to add a carrycot, buggy seats and car seat. This is especially useful for newborns or toddlers as it ensures that they are comfortable, safe and ready for any adventure. The egg2 is popular because of its sleek design and versatility. However, it may be heavier than its competitors.
If you're on an extremely tight budget, there are still some excellent options that cost less than PS200. The iCandy Pegasus 2 with its large basket and easy-access storage in all seating positions is a fantastic option. It also comes with a padded leg support and a rain cover.
Easy to transport
If you plan to use your twin buggy often for family outings and trips around town, then it's worth investing in a model that folds down small enough for easy transport to a car boot or in the trunk of a car you hire. A compact, easy-to-manage design is also helpful for the narrow aisles and doors in public transport.
There are models that fold with seats removed to make more compact storage. They are ideal for use at home. You'll want to consider the weight of the buggy too - heavier double buggies tend to be more difficult to manoeuvre and may be a struggle to navigate up or down kerbs.
Most twin pushchairs car seats are fixed side-byside designs, and some can be able to accommodate two carrycots or seat units (and sometimes a third). Some twin pushchairs are suitable for single children with an age gap of less than two years or by siblings. The brilliant Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo, with its reversible seats, allows the children to face one another or you. It also has various other configurations suitable for babies to toddlers.
A twin pushchair can be an ideal choice for families living near public transport, as it is usually simpler to get on and off buses, trains or trams. It is ideal for towns and cities that have large numbers of people, bustling streets, or shopping centres.
If you're looking for a twin-pushchair that allows you to easily get on and off public transport, we recommend an option like the UPPAbaby Vista 2 – a sleek urban buggy that can be used with two infants with the newborn cocoons provided or for one baby and a child older than the baby by using its clever'sidepack'. (available separately for PS45). The second seat is connected to the frame at the back and can face in either direction. You can even add a piggyback board (also sold separately for PS120) to allow three kids to join you for longer trips.