9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Twin Pushchairs
Buying a Twin Pushchair
When shopping for a twin pushchair, it's important to consider the various configurations available. Two options to consider are tandem double buggies as well as side-byside double buggies.
The iCandy Strawberry Twin buggy is the most popular among parents and will grow along with your family. It starts life as a single, but will take 2 car seats or carrycots in double mode.
Easy to Manoeuvre
When you're taking twins for a stroll, or have a toddler and baby at the same stage, a double pushchair can be an essential tool in keeping them entertained. Double buggys, or twin prams as they are often referred to, come in a variety to suit all types of families. Some are side-by-side, whereas others have a front and other back for narrow spaces. Some can also be transformed into single prams once your children outgrow them, making them a good option for families that are growing.
They are easier to steer than tandem twin buggies as the front wheels can be locked for extra stability. They also have 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 can be more portable too however you may find them harder to get up and down kerbs or on rough terrain.
If you're after a 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 create an enclosed space to lie flat. It also has a tiny shopping basket but has impressive suspension, so 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 affixed to the frame. This can be useful when traveling with infants and toddlers, as it means you don't have to transfer them from the car to the pushchair which could be disruptive to them. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is a good example of a twin pushchair that can be used as a travel system and it even has a nifty parent-facing mode for newborns.
Tandem twin buggies, on other hand, are usually designed for children of similar ages. They tend to have an individual seat for each child. They're less likely to feature carrycots for younger babies and are generally larger than single buggies. They can be manoeuvred, though, and many have recline that is independent, to allow both children to sit up or be reclined to snooze.
Easy to fold
If you're buying a double pushchair, you'll probably need it to fold. This will make it easier to move the buggy around, and also put it away in smaller spaces. You can pick from a variety of ways to fold your pushchair. Some models have a shoulder strap 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 even more compact. This is particularly useful when you're short of storage space.
Another thing to watch out for is whether your twin pushchair (visit www.northsantarosa.com now >>>) is able to fit through doors that are standard. It is important to determine the size of your door prior to buying twin buggies. There are slimmer models that are designed to fit through doors that are narrower If this is the case.
UPPAbaby Vista won our lab tests for its compactness and its ability to fold when not in use. It can hold two infant car seats and two toddler seats, making it an ideal choice for families that are growing. It also has an excellent large storage basket, as well as rubber tires with foam that won't be flat.
It's less expensive than other models we've tested, and it's a great choice for twins or babies of similar age. It can be used as a cosy seat unit and a carrycot, and can accommodate three children when you add the use of UPPAbaby’s PiggyBack Board (sold separately).
Chicco Cortina together is a great option for two strollers that is affordable. It can hold two Chicco infant car seats, so it is suitable for twins. It also has a large storage basket and an easy-to-use handlebar and brakes.
Easy to store
The good news is that not all double buggies are large and bulky. They are also difficult to transport. In fact, there are plenty of models designed to be slim and manageable when folded. This can help them fit in smaller spaces and make it easier to get into and out of the vehicle.
Some twin pushchairs are lightweight which makes them easy to transport and handle busses, trains and shopping aisles. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is a prime example, with its light frame and four-wheel suspension, making it easy to handle rough terrain. It can also accommodate twins (or a baby and a toddler) with the addition of an 'in-piggyback' system.
Most twin-buggy models offer plenty of storage space It's important to check whether it's accessible with both seats in use. Some side-by-side configurations are difficult. The 'one above and one below' tandem can also restrict access for a child’s legs. Find large baskets, pockets, and compartments to store everything from sun cream and rain covers to snacks and toys.
Take a look at the accessories that are available. Certain twin pushchairs have a range of extras that are useful including drink holders for your little ones to snack tray for older children. It is worth looking for a model with these features, as along with a sun canopy built-in or rain cover, as well as a an hood to keep your young ones protected.
Many twin pushchairs are convertible into an entire travel system that can accommodate families growing. They offer the possibility of incorporating a car seat, buggy seat or carrycot. This is particularly beneficial for toddlers and infants since it guarantees they're safe, comfy and ready for every adventure. The egg2 is a favorite due to its elegant design and versatility. However, it can be heavier than other egg models.
If you're on an extremely tight budget, there are still plenty of great alternatives for less than PS200. The iCandy Pegasus 2 with its large basket and easy-access storage across all seating positions is a great alternative. It also comes with a padded leg support and a rain cover.
Easy to transport
If you are planning to use your twin buggy a often for outings with your family or excursions around town, it's worthwhile to invest in a model that folds down to a size that is small enough to be able to be carried in a car boot or the trunk of a hired car seat pram. A slim and manageable design can also help you navigate narrow aisles and doors on public transport.
You'll be able to find models that fold with seats removed for smaller storage, however these are often best left for home use. You'll want to consider the weight of the buggy, too heavier double buggies tend to be more difficult to manoeuvre and may struggle to get up and down kerbs.
Most twin pushchairs are fixed side-byside designs, and some can be able to accommodate two carrycots or seat units (and sometimes a third). Some are also suitable for children who are similar age or for siblings with a very small age gap. The brilliant 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 a range of other configurations suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood.
A twin pushchair is a convenient choice for families who live near public transport routes as it's generally simpler to take and get off trains, Twin Stroller buses or trams. It's ideal for towns and cities that have 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 suggest a model such as the UPPAbaby Vista 2 – a sleek urban buggy that can be used for two babies using the newborn cocoons provided or for one baby and an older child using its clever'sidepack'. (available separately for PS45). It also has another seat that can be attached to the back of the frame and can be used in either direction. You can also add a piggyback (also available separately for PS120) which means you can take three kids for longer journeys.