9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Twin Pushchairs
Buying a Twin Pushchair
When shopping for a twin pushchair, it's important to think about the different configurations that are available. The most popular choices are twin double buggies as well as side-by-side double buggies.
The iCandy Strawberry twin buggy is a real favourite with parents and will expand with your family. It is one-person buggy that is able to be converted to a double by adding two carrycots or a car seat.
Easy to Manoeuvre
When you're taking twins for a walk or have a baby and toddler at the same stage, a double pushchair can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping them happy. Double buggys, also known as twin prams as they are often referred to, come in a variety of designs to fit all kinds of families. Some are side-byside, while others have one front and the back to accommodate narrow spaces. Some can also be transformed into single prams once your children grow out of them, making them an ideal choice for families with growing children.
Side-by-side twin buggies (or tandem twin buggies) are easy to steer because their front wheels can often be locked in place for additional stability, and there's generally more storage space behind them. They are also smaller than some other twin buggies. This means they're easier to navigate through doorways and on public transport. They are generally lighter than other twin prams, so they are more mobile too however you may be unable to maneuver them to and from kerbs, or on uneven terrain.
If you're looking for a more streamlined twin pushchair, the iCandy Peach is a stylish choice that's available in a range of colours. It's also a great twin pushchair for newborns and infants, because of its warm newborn cocoons that provide an enclosed lie-flat space. It comes with 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 attach to the frame. This is a great feature when traveling with toddlers and infants because you don't have to move them from the car to their pushchair. This could cause them to be disturbed. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is an example of a twin pushchair that can be used as a travel system and it even has a nifty parent-facing mode for newborns.
Tandem twin buggies are designed for children with similar ages. They are more likely to have a separate seat for each child. They're less likely to have carrycots for younger babies and are usually wider than single buggies. They're still maneuverable, but many have recline seats that are independent, which means both kids can sit upright or lie in a snooze position.
Folding is simple
If you're considering buying a double pushchair, then you'll want it to be easy to fold. This will make it easy to move the buggy around and also put it away in smaller spaces. You can choose from several ways to fold your pushchair. Some include a convenient shoulder strap to make it easier for you to carry.
Most twin pushchairs are foldable using one hand, but it is important to confirm before purchasing that yours will do this. Some of the best models can be folded with the seat removed, which makes them more compact. This is particularly useful when you are limited in storage space.
A twin pushchair that's too wide might not fit through doors that are standard. The wider width of most tandem buggies can sometimes be an issue and it's a good idea to measure the width of your doors before you buy. If this is the case there are smaller models out there that are designed to be more streamlined to get through doorways.
UPPAbaby Vista won our lab tests for its compactness and ease of folding when not in use. It can accommodate two infant car seats and two toddler seats, making it an ideal choice for families growing. It also comes with a large storage basket as well as rubber tires filled with foam that don't go flat.
It's cheaper than other models that we tested and is a great option for twins or infants of similar age groups. It can be used as a cosy seat unit or a carrycot, and can accommodate three children by the addition of UPPAbaby's PiggyBack Board (sold separately).
If you're looking for a budget-friendly double stroller, take a look at the Chicco Cortina Together. It can fit two Chicco infant car seats and is therefore suitable for twins. It also has a big storage basket and an easy-to-use brakes and handlebar.
Easy to store
The good prams news is that not all double buggies are large and bulky. They are also difficult to store. In fact, there are plenty of models that are designed to be compact and foldable. This allows them to fit into smaller spaces and make it easier to get in and out of cars.
Some twin pushchairs prams pushchairs are light and easy to transport and use with trains, buses and shopping aisles. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is a perfect example, thanks to its light frame and four-wheel suspension that make it easy to maneuver over rough terrain. It can also carry twins (or one baby and toddler) by adding a 'piggyback' board.
It's worth checking if the storage space remains accessible when the seats are both in use. Certain side-by-side configurations can be difficult. The "one above and one below' tandem design can also block access by the legs of a child. Find large baskets, pockets, and compartments for everything from sun cream and raincovers to snacks and toys.
Consider the add-ons that are available. Some twin pushchairs have a variety of useful extras, such as drink holders for your little children or snack tray for the older children. It's worth looking for a model with these features, as in addition to a built-in sun canopy, rain cover and hood to keep your little children safe.
Many twin pushchairs are able to be transformed 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 toddlers and infants since it ensures they are comfortable, safe and ready for any adventure. The egg2 is a favorite for this, due to its sleek design and versatility, even though it's a bit heavier than its competitors.
If you're on a tight budget, there are still some excellent options that cost less than PS200. The iCandy Pegasus 2 with its large basket and storage that is easy to access across all seating positions is an excellent alternative. It comes with a cushioned foot support and waterproof cover.
Easy to transport
If you intend to use your twin buggy lot for long-distance outings with your family or excursions around town, it's worth investing in one that folds so that it can be easily transported into the car boot or in the trunk of a car you hire. A compact and easy-to-manage design can also help you navigate narrow aisles and doors on public transport.
You can find models that fold with the seats removed for more compact stroller storage, although these are often better left to be used for home use. It is also important to consider the weight of the double buggy. The heavier buggies are difficult to maneuver and could be difficult to maneuver up or down kerbs.
Some twin pushchairs travel systems can hold up to two carrycots (and sometimes a third) and are designed to be used in a side-by-side configuration. They can also be used for single children of a similar age or with siblings who have only a small age gap. The amazing Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo, with its reversible seating, lets children face one another, or you. It also has various other configurations that are suitable for infants to toddlers.
It's much easier to take and get off the train, bus or tram using a twin pushchair. It's also great for towns and cities in which you'll be traversing a lot of people, streets or shopping centres.
If you're looking for a twin-pushchair which allows you to effortlessly get on and off public transport, we recommend a model like the UPPAbaby Vista 2 – a sleek, stylish city buggy which can be used for two babies using the newborn cocoons included or for one baby and an older child by using its clever'sidepack'. (available separately for PS45). The second seat can be attached to the frame at the back and is able to face in either direction. You can add a piggyback (also available separately for the price of PS120) which means you can bring three children on longer journeys.
