Buying a Double Pushchair For Twins Or Two Siblings Close in Age?

If you have twins or two children close in age, a double pushchair gives you the flexibility you require for your growing family. Choose between tandem models or side-by-side designs like the Mountain Buggy Duet V3 which is small enough to fit through standard doors.

Many models are compatible with infant car seats and include reclined seats. Some can even convert to single mode, like with the egg2 Pushchair that is loved for its design and versatility.

Side by Side

The side-by-side buggy is an ideal option for families with twins or siblings of different age. They typically have two fixed seats with a single canopy and are usually larger than an inline buggy, which gives each child the same view. They are easy to maneuver and some even have front and rear suspension for better handling when going over bumps or kerbs.

While they can cost more than other double buggies, they are likely to have better resale value, especially if you choose an established brand. They're also ideal for jogging, and can handle rough terrain. The seats are spacious enough for your children to sit comfortably. Buggies are available in a range of colors and styles to fit your family's taste.

Some models come with additional accessories that can help keep your baby snug. These can include baby blankets and cushions for seats, liners and head supports. Some of them may have pockets to store snacks and toys. Parents can even get a buggy that has an adult console to keep essentials handy.

The popular model's 2023 version features a new design and a bigger sun canopy, and new logos. It's a stylish choice for image-conscious parents and is compatible with iCandy car seats. It's also simple to put together, although Kerry discovered that it took quite a while to get all of the parts out of the boxes. The packaging was well-labeled and clever and made it easy to know what each part would be similar to.

It's a bit heavier than other double buggies but still fairly light for an inline-model. It's also extremely versatile and can be used with one or two infant car seats. It can be converted from a single car seat to an entire tandem in just one click.

The Vista v2 from UPPAbaby is another top pick for double strollers, and it's ideal for busy parents. It's easy to maneuver and is able to take on rough terrain. It comes with a huge shopping basket, a recline that is independent for both seats, and a padded 5-point harness to keep your children safe.

Tandem

The clever frame of this pushchair is able to expand widthways which allows you to add another seat without compromising on space. It's an excellent choice for twins who are born and can accommodate two car seats or carrycots too, making it a fantastic travel system for road trips. It's heavier than some of its competitors and can appear to be a bit long when in double mode, but it's got plenty of storage, including a large shopping basket. The iCandy Peach has a sleek elegant design that is popular with parents who are image-conscious. Its seat can be adjusted to four different positions, and it will expand with your child's weight up to 25kg. The addition of a second seat is easy thanks to the quick-release Velcro fasteners. This model can be used in tandem mode, with one child on top of the other. This is a great option for parents who want to keep from disturbing your newborn baby.

The seat is placed one ahead of the other in this setup and it's more difficult for toddlers to be distracted from each other while you're out and out and. This type of pushchair features a padded seat that can recline completely which makes it suitable for babies. Many models will have a higher sitting position, with a more upright backrest in the back for older children, and it's often possible to configure them to face each other or world facing according to the model of the buggy. It's easier to navigate narrow doorways with a tandem pushchair, however it can be a challenge to navigate kerbs or stairs with two children in the back.

This multi-functional pushchair is a great choice for families with children with special needs. It's an excellent option for disabled kids who can benefit from a younger sibling that they can play and encourage. It's expensive, but the sturdy construction is built to last and there's plenty of storage space for everything you'll require. It comes with a range of accessories that allow you to customise the twin buggy from birth for your family, including rain covers and liner.

Lightweight

The best lightweight double strollers are compact, easily maneuverable and nimble. They're usually made of a sturdy aluminum frame, and some come with air-filled wheels that help them move over rough surfaces. Some models have a one handed fold and shoulder straps, making them easier for you to carry. You can also consider adding accessories such as a foot muff, a sunshade or a rain cover.

The Cybex Mios is a lightweight double stroller with a low price. It is it is a fully-functional travel system as well as a light buggy, and can be used starting at birth with the use of a carrycot. It features a side by side design with both seats recline separately. This provides the ideal positioning for babies and young toddlers. It has a generous UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that can be seen through and the toddler seat is padded with foot and leg rests that can be adjusted.

UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another top contender. It can accommodate twins, or a baby and toddler. It is compatible with many car seats. It features an elegant and stylish frame with large rear wheels that can withstand rough terrain. It's also suitable for running. The double mode can make it a bit long, and there's no storage underneath the seat.

When comparing different double pushchairs, take into consideration the weight of the frame, seat and suspension. The heavier the buggy, the harder it'll be to push, particularly over uneven surfaces. Check the folding dimensions, and if you can remove the seat to make it more compact. Check for features such as a one-handed folding mechanism, which Kirstie, a home tester at the time, described as "genius" or a strap can be slung over your shoulder.

You can also choose a tandem double pushchair, which sits children behind each other. It's not as maneuverable however it is an ideal choice for families with multiple children. It may be better suited for older toddlers. There are tandems with reclining seats, which give children the flexibility to lie down or sit down based on their moods and needs.

Confortable

Whether you're a parent of twins or two siblings close in age, having the right double pushchair can make getting out significantly simpler. There are plenty of options for comfortable ones on the market. If you're looking for a side-byside model that can accommodate a seat and carrycot or a tandem that has an adjustable rear and front seat, there's bound to be a suitable option for your family.

In addition to buckles, straps with padding and headrests, you should look for seats with multiple recline positions and adjustable Calf rests. These are often controlled by single-handed buttons that are accessible from the rear of the seat. (Though in our testing this can be a bit fiddly for small-handed parents). Some of the top double pushchairs come with an extensive UPF 50+ sun canopy that has magnetic peekaboo windows and an incredibly useful hood extension to protect your children from harmful UV radiation.

Convertible Doubles

One of the best lightweight double stroller ways to save money is to purchase an adjustable pushchair that can be converted from single to double mode as your children grow. The egg2, for instance, is a stylish choice that works with the toddler seat that comes with it or a baby carrier from birth and comes with a second RumbleSeat for older siblings. The reclining seats and spacious carrycots were particularly well received by the home testers who adored how it could grow with your family.

If you're looking for a low-cost option that will last through toddlerhood and beyond the iCandy Venus is a great option. It comes with a footmuff and seat, but it can also be converted into a twin pushchair-sized pram using the brand's new Cocoons (available at PS59 per piece). Our labs loved how simple it is to switch between configurations and found the directions clear and straightforward - although it can take some practice to master it out of the box.

Some double pushchairs allow you to sit with your children in a row and generally face the world however there are exceptions, such as the Bugaboo Donkey and Mountain Buggy Duet that can be configured to allow both front and parent facing seating (though this will increase the overall dimensions of the chassis). Tandems are generally easier to maneuver around kerbs, but can be a challenge to maneuver through narrow doors and aisles.