Choosing a Double Pushchair With Car Seat
Double pushchairs can be an ideal choice for families with twins or a toddler plus an infant. Double pushchairs can seat two children in one chair, and a carrycot can be added if needed.
They can be arranged in many ways and can be inserted into most doors/hallways. They're slightly longer than side-byside buggies but they're more robust and can be used on the kerbs.
Easy to maneuver
There are several factors to consider when choosing the ideal double stroller for your family. It is important to first think about the weight and size and also the buggy's folding mechanism wheels, construction and design. If possible, try to purchase a double pushchair and car seats from a reputable brand as it will give you the best resale value in the future.
Double pushchairs are available in two kinds: tandem and side-by-side. Side-by-side buggies have fixed seats that are positioned side by side, and they can be suitable for twins or children of different age groups. However they are typically wider than single pushchairs and may struggle to fit through some doors or down narrow pathways. Additionally, best twin buggy can also be heavy and long to push, especially if the children are in car seats at the front.
double pushchair from birth provide more flexibility, as they can be configured in various ways. One or both seats can be oriented either way or backwards. They're more expensive than side-by-side pushchairs, but they are easier to fold and maneuver. Many of them also have a large shopping basket that can be accessed even when the seats are in a fully reclined position.
Another thing to think about is whether the double pushchair comes with a locking front wheel. This will help you to negotiate tricky terrain and transitions, while also ensuring that your little ones remain safe and secure. It is also important to consider the amount of storage space available and if it is accessible, since this can be extremely useful if you have a lot of shopping to do for two kids.
When buying a double pushchair that comes with a car seat, also check how it is easy to operate the straps and buckles. Some buckles are simple and only require one hand for operation some buckles are more complicated and require two hands. Find out if the buckle has an padded strap for the crotch and an adjustable shoulder height. These features are crucial to keeping your child safe.
Easy to fold
It's important to think about how easy it is to fold and store a double pushchair that includes a car seat. Even with children in every seat, the most efficient double strollers fold up quickly and easily. They are also compact, making them ideal for urban living or parents with limited storage.
There are two types of double pushchairs, tandem and side-by-side. Side-by-side strollers are generally narrower than single strollers. This allows them to maneuver through narrow doorways and pathways. They can be heavy and long, making them difficult to push up a hill, or on the kerbs. Some models have a second seat under the chassis, which is beneficial for shopping or children who want to sit up and take a look around.
Tandem pushchairs are often wider than side-by-side models, and they can be quite lengthy too. They are however extremely adaptable and can be made to work with most infant car seats. Some have a rumble seat and a bassinet attachment for families that are growing. Some of the best-rated double buggy brands provide an array of configurations.
Another thing to think about is the weight of your chosen double buggy, particularly if you're looking for one that can accommodate infants in a carrycot. The best double pushchairs have a high capacity for both seats, and some will even allow you to add a third seat onto the frame (although this isn't suitable for all babies).
Be sure to look for features such as recline options, reversible seats and leg rests that can be adjusted to ensure your children are comfortable. Some of the top double pushchairs also come with an integrated tray for parents which is the perfect place to keep your mobile phone and keys. They'll usually have at least two cup holders and a spacious basket to stash all your items. Some models come with an adjustable foot rest and suspension to make pushing twins easier especially on rough terrain.
Easy to store
Look for a double stroller that folds easily. These are typically a little wider than single buggies, however, they can be able to fit through standard doors and take up less room in your car or boot. Some models include a carrying bag that makes storage simpler.
A great option is the UPPAbaby Vista Double. The stroller features a side-by seat layout and offers multiple seating configurations that include two infant car seats (car seats and adapters sold separately) and the bassinet attachment. It also comes with a huge storage basket with UPF 50 and rain canopy, telescoping handlebar and comfortable seats. You can even add a riding board to allow a third child be part of the fun.
There are a variety of other options. Jeep's TwinRoo+ is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts because it can be used either as an individual buggy or as double buggy. It has great suspension and air-filled tyres. It can be used for jogging, which isn't always the case with double pushchairs. Some parents complain that the rumble seats with padded backs aren't comfortable, and that the cup holders on the child's seatback aren't sturdy enough.
The Joovy Twin Xpand Car Seat Frame Double is a different excellent option. It's similar to some of the more expensive award winners. It is small and can fit both infant car seats as well as toddler seats that can be converted to bassinets. This makes it suitable for twins and children of different ages. It can even accommodate an additional seat using an additional rumble seat (sold separately).
A good option for budget-conscious buyers is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, which is affordable and similar in design to some of our more expensive award winners. It also has the option of a third seat, which can be paired with a rumble-seat (sold separately). It has reclined chairs that can be adjusted and a cup holder for the parent. It has a weight capacity of 50 pounds per seat, which means it is not suitable for children who are very tall.
Comfortable seats
A double pushchair that also includes a car seat is a great option for children. The seats must be padded and the harnesses should be easy to use. The straps must be easily adjustable for height and the buckles should not require two hands. They must be durable and strong enough to withstand repeated use. If the buckles can be difficult to operate, it could be unsafe. They should be replaced. Seats should be able to recline easily, and have large UPF 50+ canopy that has a peekaboo window. The recline feature is perfect for young babies who want to sleep or older toddlers who like to sit and watch the world around them.
Tandem buggies usually start out as a single buggy and have adapters to add an additional seat or a baby car seat to the frame. They have a smaller footprint than side by side strollers but are too large for certain doorways. They can also be quite heavy, and are typically difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs.
On the other hand side-by-side buggies are typically smaller than tandem models. They are easier to navigate and can accommodate older twins. However, they are more expensive and may not be able to be able to pass through all doors. The double bundle from Joovy is a good example of a model which can have the seats facing one another, inwards or outwards. It can be used with infant car seats and comes with a bassinet, too.
The majority of the models we tested had a single step procedure for attaching and detaching the car seat from the frame. This is a major plus for parents who are constantly on the go and don't have time to juggle numerous steps. Some models, such as the Doona and the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Combo, feature a two-step attachment that involves placing the attachment in place and then attaching straps. This additional step gives an error margin and increases the chance that the car seat will be set up incorrectly. We also discovered that some strollers had trouble in adjusting the crotch strap or shoulder height, and the car seat buckles were sometimes difficult to operate.