10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Twin Pushchairs
Buying a Twin Pushchair
When looking for a twin pushchair, it is important to consider the various options available. The two main options are tandem double buggies and side-by-side double buggies.
The iCandy Strawberry Twin buggy is the most popular among parents and will grow with your family. It is a single buggy that is able to be converted to 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, or twin prams, as they are sometimes called, come in a variety to suit all types of families. Some are side-by-side with others having an entrance and a back to accommodate small spaces. Some are also able to be transformed into single prams once your children outgrow them, which makes them an ideal option for pushchair stroller families that are growing.
Side-by-side twin buggies (or tandem twin buggies) are easy to steer because their front wheels can be locked in place for added stability, and there is generally more storage space behind them. They are also smaller than other twin buggies, and easier to maneuver through doors or on public transport. They are lighter than other twin prams and can be more portable, but you might find it difficult to move them up and down kerbs, or on rough terrain.
If you're after a more modern twin pushchair the iCandy Peach is a stylish option that comes in a variety of colors. It's also a fantastic twin stroller for newborns and babies due to the soft newborn cocoons which create a lie-flat enclosed space. It has a small storage basket, but it has impressive suspension to be able to handle bumpy surfaces.
A lot of twin buggies can be used for travel systems, which means they come with car seats that can be attached to the frame. This is a great feature when traveling with toddlers and infants, as you don't need to move them from their car to their pushchair. This can cause disturbance to them. 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 mode that allows parents to be in the same room with their babies.
Tandem twin buggies, on the other hand, are typically designed for children of similar ages and are more likely to provide an individual seat for each child. They're less likely to have carrycots for babies, and are usually wider than single buggies. They're still maneuverable, best Travel Stroller however many come with an recline seats that are independent, which means both children can sit upright or lie in a snooze position.
Easy to fold
You'll want your double pushchair to be easy-to-fold when you purchase it. This will make it easier for you to transport the buggy from one place to another and also allow you to store it in a smaller space. There are several ways to fold your pushchair. Some include a convenient shoulder strap to help you to carry.
Most twin pushchairs are foldable with one hand, but it is important to confirm before buying to ensure that the one you purchase will be able to do this. Some of the top models can be folded with the seat removed, making them even smaller. This can be particularly helpful when you're short of storage space.
A twin pushchair that's too wide may not fit through doors of standard size. The wide width of tandem buggies may be a problem and it's a good idea to measure the width of your doors before you buy. If this is an issue there are smaller models available that are designed to make it easier to get through doorways.
UPPAbaby Vista won our lab tests for its compactness and the ease of folding when not in use. It can hold two infant car seats and two toddler seats, so it's a good option for growing families. It also has an excellent large storage basket as well as rubber tires filled with foam that don't go flat.
It's cheaper than some of the other models we tested and is a great choice for twins or babies with similar ages. It can be used in conjunction with an incredibly comfortable carrycot as well as a seat unit, and it can even accommodate three children with the addition of UPPAbaby's PiggyBack board (sold separately).
If you're looking for a budget-friendly double stroller, look into the Chicco Cortina Together. It can fit two Chicco infant car seats, which makes it suitable for twins from birth. It also has a large storage basket, as well as an easy-to-use handlebar and brakes.
Easy to store
The good news is that not all double pram buggies are big heavy, bulky, and difficult to store. In fact there are a lot of models designed to be slim and easily foldable. This lets them fit into smaller spaces and make it easier to get into and out of a car.
Some twin pushchairs can be lightweight, making them easy to transport them and use them in busses or trains as well as in shopping aisles. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 comes to your mind because of its light frame that can handle rough terrain and four-wheel suspension. With the addition of a 'piggyback board', it can accommodate twins or a toddler and baby.
It is important to determine if the storage space is still accessible even when both seats are in use. Some side-byside configurations are tricky. The "one above and one below' tandem design can also block access by the legs of a child. Find large baskets, pockets and compartments which can store everything from snacks and toys to sun cream and rain cover.
You'll also want to consider the kind of accessories available. Some twin pushchairs include various useful features, such as drink holders for the younger ones or snack trays for older children. It is worth looking for a model that has these features, as in addition to a built-in sun canopy, rain cover and hood to keep your little children safe.
Many twin pushchairs can be transformed into a travel strollers system for growing families, with the option to add a carrycot, buggy seat and car seat. This is particularly useful for newborns or toddlers as it ensures they're comfortable, safe and ready for any adventure. The egg2 is a favorite here, with its sleek design and versatility, although it is a little heavier than some rivals.
If you're on a strict budget, there are still several great options that cost less than PS200. The iCandy Pegasus 2 is a fantastic choice with its large basket and easy access storage in all seating positions. It also comes with a cushioned leg support and a rain cover.
Easy to transport
If you plan to utilize your twin buggy a lot for full-day family outings and trips around town, then it's worthwhile to invest in one that folds to a size that is small enough to be able to be carried in a car boot or the trunk of a car you hire. A compact and manageable design will also make it easier to negotiate narrow doors and aisles on public transport.
There are models that fold with seats removed for smaller storage, however these are often best left for home use. You'll need to think about the weight of the buggy too heavier double buggies tend to be more difficult to maneuver and may struggle to get up and down kerbs.
Some twin pushchairs can accommodate up to two carrycots (and sometimes even an additional one) and are designed to be used in a side-by-side configuration. Some are also suitable for single children of a similar age or with siblings who have a very small age gap. The enthralling Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo is an excellent example of this with seats that can be reversible, letting the kids face each other or you, as well as various other designs that are suitable from birth to toddlerhood.
A twin pushchair is a convenient choice for families living near public transportation routes since it's generally simpler to take and get off buses, trains or trams. It's great for cities and towns with lots of people, busy streets, or shopping centres.
If you're looking for an oversized twin pushchair that will let you leave and get on public transport in a breeze, we recommend a model such as the UPPAbaby Vista 2 - a sleek and stylish city buggy that is able to be used with two babies in the pram newborn cocoons included or one baby and one older child due to its clever'sidepack' (available separately for PS45). The second seat can be attached to the frame at the back and can be positioned to face either direction. You can also add piggybacks (also available separately for PS120) which means you can take three children on longer journeys.