Buying a Twin Pushchair
It is important to think about the various options when you are looking for a double pushchair. The two main options are tandem double buggies as well as side-by-side double buggies.
The iCandy Strawberry Twin buggy is a favorite among parents and will grow with your family. It is an individual buggy that can be converted to a double by adding two carrycots or a car seat.
Easy to maneuver
A double pushchair is a great option for families with twins or a baby and toddler. Double buggys, or twin prams as they are sometimes referred to, are available in a variety of designs to suit all types of families. Some are side-by-side, while others have one front and the other back for narrow spaces. Some can be converted into single prams when your kids outgrow them, which makes them an ideal option for growing families.
Side-by-side twin buggies (or tandem twin buggies) are easy to steer because their front wheels are able to be locked to provide additional stability, and there's generally more storage space behind them. They are also smaller than other twin buggies, and more maneuverable through doors or on public transport. They tend to be lighter than other twin prams and they are more mobile too, although you might find them harder to get up and down kerbs on uneven terrain.
If you're looking for a more compact twin pushchair, the iCandy Peach is a stylish choice that's available in a variety of colors. It is also a great twin stroller for babies and newborns, thanks to the cosy newborn cocoons, which create a lie-flat enclosed space. It also comes with a small shopping basket but has impressive suspension, so it can take on bumpy surfaces.
A lot of twin buggies can be used as travel systems, which means they have car seats that can be attached to the frame. This is a great feature when traveling with babies and toddlers because you don't have to transfer them from their car to their pushchair. This can cause disturbance to them. The Uppababy vista 2 is a twin-pushchair that can also be used as travel system. It has an option for parents to be facing the pushchair, which is great for newborns.
Tandem twin buggies were designed for children of similar ages. They are more likely to have an individual seat for each child. They're less likely to have carrycots specifically for infants and are generally larger than single buggies. They are still easily moveable, but most have an independent seat recline, so both kids can sit up straight or in a snooze-position.
Easy to fold
If you're considering buying a double pushchair, you'll probably want it to be simple to fold. This will make it easier for you to move the stroller from one location to another and also allow you to store it in a smaller area. Many brands offer a range of ways to fold the pushchair, so you'll be able choose one that best suits your needs. Some models come with a strap for the shoulder that makes it easier to carry.
Check before you buy if the model you are buying can be folded with one hand. Some of the best models can be folded with the seat removed, making them smaller. This is especially useful for those with limited storage space.
A twin pushchair that is too large may not be able to pass through doors of standard size. It is essential to determine the dimensions of your door prior to buying twin buggies. There are smaller models that can be used to fit through doors that are narrower if this is an issue.
UPPAbaby Vista won our lab tests for its compactness and the ease of folding when not in use. It can fit two infant car seats as well as two toddler seats. This makes it an ideal choice for growing families. It also has an excellent large storage basket and foam-filled rubber tires that won't be flat.
It's less expensive than some of the other models we've looked at, and it's ideal for twins or babies with similar age. It can be used in conjunction with a cosy carrycot and a seat unit and it can accommodate three kids by incorporating the UPPAbaby PiggyBack board (sold separately).
Chicco Cortina together is a great option for two strollers that are affordable. It can fit two Chicco infant car seats, making it suitable for twins from birth. It comes with a large storage basket, 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 transport. In fact there are many models designed to be slim and manageable when folded. This lets them be compact and make it easier to get in and out of a vehicle.
Some twin pushchairs are light which makes them easy to transport and handle busses, trains and shopping aisles. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is a perfect example, thanks to its lightweight frame and four-wheel suspension that make it easy to handle rough terrain. With the addition of a 'piggyback board', it can be used to carry twins or a toddler and baby.
Most twin-buggy models offer plenty of storage space, but it's worth checking whether this is still accessible with both seats in use. Some side-by-side configurations are difficult. The "one above and one below' tandem design can also hinder access by children's legs. Look for generous baskets, pockets and compartments that can hold everything from toys and snacks to sunscreen and rain covers.
Take a look at the accessories that are available. Certain twin pushchairs have an array of accessories that are useful, from special drink holders for the little children to snack trays for older children. Find models with these features, as well as an integrated sun canopy, raincover, and hood.
Many twin pushchairs can be converted into a travel system to accommodate families that are growing, with the option to add a carrycot, buggy seat and car seat. This is especially beneficial for newborns and toddlers because it guarantees that they're safe, comfortable and ready for every adventure. The egg2 is a popular choice with its sleek styling and flexibility, though it's a bit heavier than other egg models.
If you're on a tight budget, there are still several great options for less than PS200. The iCandy Pegasus 2 with its large basket and easy-access storage across all seating positions is an excellent option. It comes with a padded foot support as well as a waterproof cover.
Easy to transport
If you intend to use your twin buggy on long-distance family trips as well as city excursions, you should look into a model which can be folded down to fit inside the trunk or in the boot of the rental car. A compact, easy-to-manage design is also helpful for getting through narrow aisles and doors in public transport.
You'll be able to find models that fold with seats separating for smaller storage, however they are usually best left for home use. It is also important to be aware of the weight of the double buggy. Heavier buggies are more difficult to maneuver and might be unable to get up and down kerbs.
Some twin pushchairs can accommodate up to two carrycots (and sometimes even the third) and are designed to be used in a side-by-side arrangement. Some are also suitable for children who are similar age or for siblings with a very small age gap. The enthralling Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo, with its reversible seats allows the children to face each other or you. It also comes with a variety of other configurations suitable for babies to toddlers.
It is easier to take the bus, train or tram with a twin pushchair. It's ideal for cities and towns with large numbers of people, bustling streets, or shopping centers.
If you're looking for a twin-pushchair that will allow you to effortlessly get on and off public transport, we suggest a model such as the UPPAbaby Vista 2 – a sleek, stylish city buggy which can be used with two infants with the newborn cocoons included or for one baby and a child older than the baby by using its clever'sidepack'. (available separately for PS45). This provides a second seat that attaches to the back of the frame and can be used in either direction. You can add piggybacks (also available separately for the price of PS120) to ensure that you can bring three children for longer journeys.