Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Twin Pushchairs
Buying a Twin Pushchair
When shopping for a twin pushchair it is important to consider the various options that are available. The main options are a tandem double buggy and side-by-side double buggies.
The iCandy Strawberry twin buggy is an absolute hit with parents and will grow with your family. It is an individual buggy that is able to be converted into a double by adding two carrycots, or a car seats.
Easy to Manoeuvre
A double pushchair is a great option for families with twins or a child and toddler. Double buggys or twin prams, as they are often referred to, are available in a variety of designs that will fit any family. Some are side-by-side, while others feature a single front and the other back for narrow spaces. Some are able to be converted into single prams when your children are old enough to use them. This is a great choice for families that are growing.
Side-by-side twin buggies (or tandem twin buggies) are easy to steer as their front wheels can often be locked in place for additional stability, and there is generally more storage space behind them. They are also smaller than other twin buggies and more maneuverable through doorways and on public transport. They are generally lighter than other twin prams and they are more mobile too however you may encounter difficulties getting to and from kerbs, or on uneven terrain.
The iCandy Peach, Twin Pushchairs which comes in a variety of colours, is a stylish twin pushchair travel system with a more streamlined design. It is also a great twin stroller for newborns and babies, thanks to the cosy newborn cocoons that make a comfortable, flat-floored space. It comes with a small basket however it has a remarkable suspension so that it can take on bumpy surfaces.
Many twin buggies are travel systems with car seats that can be attached to the frame. This is useful when travelling with toddlers and infants, as you don't need to move them from the car to the pushchair stroller. This can cause disturbance to them. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is a good example of twin pushchairs that can be used as a travel device, and it also features a clever baby-facing mode for infants.
Tandem twin buggies, on other hand, are usually designed for children of similar age and are more likely to offer a seat unit for each child. They are less likely to include carrycots for babies younger than six months old and tend to be wider than single buggies. They are still easily maneuverable, however many come with an independent seat recline, so both children can sit upright or in a snooze-position.
Folding is easy
If you're purchasing a double pushchair, you'll likely need it to fold. This makes it easier for you to transport the stroller from one location to another and also allow you to store it in a smaller area. Many brands offer a range of different ways to fold the pushchair, so you can find one that meets your requirements. Some include a convenient shoulder strap to make it easier for you to carry.
Most twin pushchairs can be folded with one hand, but it is worth checking before buying to ensure that the one you purchase will do this. Some of the most popular models are able to be folded with the seat removed which makes them smaller. This can be particularly helpful when you're short of storage space.
A twin pushchair that is too large may not be able to pass through doors that are standard. The wider width of most tandem buggies can sometimes be an issue therefore it is important to determine the width of your doors before you purchase. If this is an issue there are slimmer models out there that are designed to be easier to get through doorways.
In our lab tests, the UPPAbaby Vista was a winner because it was easy to fold and compact when not in use. It can hold two infant car seats as well as two toddler seats, making it an excellent choice for families that are growing. It also has an excellent large storage basket and rubber tires filled with foam that don't be flat.
It's less expensive than other models we evaluated and is a great choice for twins or infants of similar age groups. It can be used as a cozy seat unit or a carrycot, and it can be used to accommodate three children with the addition of UPPAbaby’s PiggyBack Board (sold separately).
Chicco Cortina together is a fantastic option for two strollers that are affordable. It can accommodate two Chicco infant car seat and is therefore suitable for twins. It also has a large storage basket, as well as an easy-to-use brakes and handlebar.
Easy to store
It's good to be aware that not all double buggies have to be large, bulky and difficult to store. There are many models that are designed so they are slim and manageable. This allows them to fit in smaller spaces and be simpler to get in and out of the vehicle.
Some twin pushchairs are also light, making them a breeze to transport and handle trains, buses and shopping aisles. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 comes to your mind because of its light frame that is able to handle rough terrain and four-wheel suspension. With the addition of a 'piggyback board', it can be used to carry twins or a toddler and baby.
Most twin buggys offer ample storage space However, it is important to determine whether this is accessible with both seats in use. Some side-byside configurations can be a challenge and the "one above, one below' style of tandem can also make access difficult due to child's legs. Look for generous baskets, pockets and compartments which can store everything from snacks and toys to sun cream and rain cover.
Consider the add-ons that are available. Some twin pushchairs come with various extras that are useful including drink holders for the little children to snack trays for older children. Look for 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 with children, and include the option to add a carrycot, buggy seats and car seat. This can be particularly useful for toddlers and infants since it guarantees they're safe, comfy and prepared for any adventure. The egg2 is a popular choice for this, due to its sleek design and flexibility, though it can be a bit heavier than some rivals.
If you're on an extremely tight budget, there are plenty of great options for less than PS200. The iCandy Pegasus 2 is a great choice, with its large basket and easy access storage for all seating positions. It comes with a cushioned foot support and a waterproof cover.
Easy to transport
If you intend to utilize your twin buggy a lot for long-distance family outings and trips around town then it's worth investing in a model that folds down to a size that is small enough to be able to be carried to a car boot or the trunk of a rental car. A compact and easy-to-manage design will also make it easier to negotiate narrow doors and aisles on public transportation.
You can find models that fold with seats removed for smaller storage, however they are usually better left to be used for home use. It is also important to consider the weight of the double buggy. Heavier buggies are more difficult to maneuver and could have trouble getting up or down kerbs.
Most twin pushchairs are fixed side-byside models, but some can accommodate two carrycots or seat units (and sometimes a third). Some twin pushchairs are suitable for single children with a gap of less than 2 years or by siblings. The enthralling Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo is an excellent example and features convertible seats that let the children sit facing each other or you, as well as various other configurations suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood.
It's easier to get on and off the bus, train or tram with a twin pushchair. It's also great for cities and towns where you'll have to navigate a lot of people and shopping centres, as well as streets.
If you're looking for a twin-pushchair that will allow you to effortlessly get on and off public transport, we recommend a model like the UPPAbaby Vista 2 – a sleek elegant city buggy that can be used by two babies using the newborn cocoons provided or for one baby and an older child 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 even add a piggyback board (also available separately for a price of PS120) to take three kids for longer excursions.