10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Twin Pushchairs
Buying a Twin Pushchair
When shopping for a twin pushchair it's important to consider the different configurations that are available. The main options are a tandem double buggy and side-by-side double buggies.
The iCandy Strawberry Twin buggy is the most popular among parents and will develop with your family. It is a single buggy that can be transformed 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 time, a double pushchair can be an essential tool in keeping them content. Double buggys, also known as twin prams as they're often referred to, come in a variety to accommodate all types of families. Some are side-by-side, whereas others have a front and back to accommodate narrow spaces. Some are able to be converted into single prams after your children are old enough to use them. This is a great choice for families with growing children.
They are easier to steer than tandem twin buggies since the front wheels can be locked to provide additional stability. There is also more storage space behind them. They are also smaller than other twin buggies and are easier to maneuver through doorways and on public transport. They weigh less than other twin prams, and can be more mobile, but you may find it harder to maneuver them between kerbs or on uneven terrain.
If you're looking for a sleeker, more modern twin pushchair the iCandy Peach is a stylish choice that's available in a variety of colours. It's also a great twin pushchair for infants and newborns, thanks to its cosy newborn cocoons that provide an enclosed lie-flat space. It also comes with a small shopping basket but has impressive suspension, which means it can cope well on bumpy surfaces.
A lot of twin buggies are able to be used as travel systems, which means they come with car seats that can be attached to the frame. This can be useful for traveling with babies and toddlers, as it means you don't have to transfer them from the car to the pushchair which could disturb them. The Uppababy Vista 2 is a twin-pushchair that can also be used as a travel system. It has a parent-facing mode, which is ideal for infants.
Tandem twin buggies, on other hand, are usually designed for children of similar ages and are more likely to offer a seat unit for each child. They're less likely to have carrycots specifically for infants and are typically larger than single buggies. They are still able to be moved, however they are often equipped with an recline that is independent, to allow both children to sit up or be reclined to snooze.
Easy to fold
If you're purchasing a double pushchair, you'll probably want it to be easy to fold. This will make it easier for you to transport the stroller from one location to another, and will allow you to store it in a smaller area. Most brands offer a number of different ways to fold the pushchair, so you can choose one that best suits your requirements. Some include a convenient shoulder strap to make it easier to carry.
Most twin pushchairs can fold using just one hand, however it is worth checking before buying to ensure that the one you purchase can do this. A few of the top models can be folded with the seat removed, making them more compact. This can be particularly helpful when you're short of storage space.
Another thing to look out for is whether your twin pushchair is suitable for use through doors that are standard. The wide width of tandem buggies can sometimes be a problem therefore it is important to determine the width of your doors before you purchase. If this is the case there are smaller models out there that are designed to make it easier to pass through doors.
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 and two toddler seats, making it an excellent choice for growing families. It has a large storage basket, as well as rubber tires that have foam fillings that won't flatten.
It's cheaper than other models we evaluated and is a great option for twins or babies of similar age ranges. It can be used as a cozy seat unit and a carrycot, and can accommodate three children when you add the use of UPPAbaby's PiggyBack Board (sold separately).
If you're looking for a low-cost dual stroller, check out the Chicco Cortina Together. It can accommodate two Chicco infant car seats, which makes it suitable for twins starting at birth. It also has a large storage basket as well as a simple handlebar and brakes.
Easy to store
The good prams news is that not all double buggies are big heavy, bulky, and difficult to transport. There are many models designed so that they are slim and manageable. This lets them be compact and make it easier to get in and out of cars.
Some twin pushchairs car seats can be light, making it simple to transport them and use them on buses, trains, and shopping aisles. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 comes to mind, with its lightweight frame that is able to handle rough terrain and four-wheel suspension. With the addition of a "elevator board," it can be used to carry twins or a baby and toddler.
Most twin-buggy models offer plenty of storage space, but it's worth checking whether it's accessible when both seats are in use. Certain side-by-side configurations can be tricky and the "one above, one below' style of tandem could leave access blocked by a child's legs. Look for large baskets, pockets and compartments that can accommodate everything from snacks and toys to sunscreen and rain covers.
Take a look at the accessories that are available. Some twin pushchairs include a range of extras that can be beneficial such as drink holders for your young ones to snack trays for older children. It is worth looking for a model that has these features as well as a built-in sun canopy or rain cover, as well as a hood to keep your little children safe.
Many twin pushchairs are convertible into an entire travel system that can accommodate growing families. They offer the possibility of incorporating the option of a car seat, buggy seat or carrycot. This is especially beneficial for toddlers and infants since it guarantees they're safe, comfy and ready for any adventure. The egg2 is a popular choice with its sleek styling and versatility, even though it is a little heavier than some rivals.
If you're on a strict 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 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 utilize your twin buggy a often for outings with your family or trips around town, then it's worth getting an option that folds to a size that is small enough to be able to be carried in a car boot or the trunk of a rental car. A compact and easy-to-manage design will also make it easier to navigate narrow aisles and doors on public transport.
There are buggy models that can be folded with the seats removed for smaller storage. These 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 might struggle to navigate up or down kerbs.
Most twin pushchairs prams pushchairs are fixed side-by-side designs, with some that can accommodate two carrycots, or seat units (and sometimes a third). Some twin pushchairs are suitable for single children with an age difference of less than two years or siblings. The amazing Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo, with its reversible seating, allows the children to face each other or you. It also has a variety of other configurations that are suitable for newborns to toddlers.
It's much easier to take and get off the bus, train or tram with a twin pushchair. It is ideal for cities and towns with many people, busy streets, or shopping centres.
If you're in search of a twin-pushchair which allows you to easily get on and off public transport, we recommend a model such as the UPPAbaby Vista 2 – a sleek, stylish city buggy which can be used with two newborns using 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 another seat that can be attached to the back of the frame and can face either way. You can also add a piggyback (also available separately for the price of PS120), so that you can bring three children for longer journeys.