Choosing a Double Pushchair With Car Seat
Double pushchairs are great for families with twins, or a toddler and newborn. Double pushchairs can seat two children in one seat and a carrycot can be added in the event of need.
They can be set up in various ways and fit through most hallways and doors. They're a little longer than side-by-side buggies, but they're much more robust and can be used on pavements.
Easy to Manoeuvre
When it comes to selecting the most suitable double pushchair for your family there are a few things that you should consider. It is important to first think about the weight and size and the mechanism for folding, wheels and construction. If possible, try to purchase a double pushchair and car seat from a reputable brand as it will give you the best price for resales in the near future.
Double pushchairs come in two main kinds: tandem and side-by-side. Side-by-side buggies are equipped with fixed seats that are positioned side by side, and they are suitable for twins or children of different age groups. They are a bit wider than single pushchairs, and could be difficult to fit through narrow passageways or doors. In addition, they may also be long and heavy to push, particularly when the children are in car seats in the front.
Tandem buggies are typically more flexible, as they come with the option of a variety of seating arrangements, including the option to have both of the seats facing in the direction of forward or backwards. They are more expensive than side-by-side pushchairs but can be easier to fold and move. Many also come with a large shopping basket that can be accessed even when the seats are fully reclined position.
Another important factor to consider is whether the double pushchair has a front wheel that is locked. This will allow you to traverse difficult terrains and transitions while also keeping your children secure and comfortable. Take a look at the storage space and determine if it is easily accessible. This is important if you need to do a lot of grocery shopping with two kids.
When you are buying a double pushchair that comes with a car seat, be sure to check how it is simple to use the buckles and straps. Some buckles are simple and only require one-handed operation, while others may require two hands to operate. You should also find out whether the model comes with a padded crotch strap as well as shoulder height strap adjustment as these are essential for keeping your child safe.
Folding is easy
It is important to consider how easy it is to fold and put away a double pushchair that includes a car seat. Even with children in every seat, the most efficient double strollers collapse quickly and easily. They are also compact, which makes them ideal for urban living or parents with a limited storage space.
There are two primary types of double pushchairs namely side-by-side and tandem. Side-by-side buggys tend to be narrower than single strollers, making them ideal for manoeuvring in narrow entranceways and narrow pathways. However, they can be long and heavy, making them be difficult to get up hills or onto the kerbs. Some models come with a second seat in the undercarriage, which can be handy to shop in or for children who like to sit and watch their surroundings.
Tandem pushchairs are typically wider and longer than side-byside models. They are extremely flexible and can be adapted for use with the majority of infant car seats. Some double buggy brands include a rumble seat and a bassinet for growing families. Some of the top-rated double buggy brands provide various configurations.
Another factor to consider is the weight of your double buggy , especially if you're looking for one that can fit infants in a carrycot. The best double pushchairs have a high capacity for both seats, and some allow you to add a third seat to the frame (although this isn't recommended for all infants).
To ensure your child is comfortable, consider features like reversible seats as well as recline options and adjustable legrests. Some of the top double strollers come with a parent tray built in, which is a great place to store your keys and phone. They'll usually come with at least two cup holders, and a large basket for all your items. There are models that have a foot break and suspension, which can make pushing the twins much more comfortable, especially over bumpy terrain.
Easy to store
If you're looking for a double pushchair that is easy to store, choose one that folds down compactly. They tend to be a bit bigger than single buggies, however they can fit through standard doors and take up less space in your car or in your boot. Some models even come with a carry bag to make storage that is much easier.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double is a fantastic alternative. This stroller features a side by side seating layout, with a variety of seating options including two infant car seats. (Car seats and adapters are sold separately) and a bassinet. It comes with a large basket, UPF 50 and rain canopies with telescoping handles and comfortable seats. You can even add a riding platform to allow a third child join in on the fun.
There are many other options. The Jeep-branded TwinRoo+ is a good choice for outdoor lovers because it can be used as a double or single buggy with a pair of Rumble seats (extra kit required). It is a great suspension model and air-filled tyres. It can even be modified to running, which isn't always the case with double pushchairs. However, some parents find that the rumble seat's padding on the back isn't that sturdy and that the child's seatback cup holders are flimsy.
Another great option is an alternative is the Joovy Twin Xpand Car Seat Frame Double that is similar to the design of some of our more expensive award winners. It has a compact fold and can be used with infant car seats as well as toddler seats that can be altered to act as bassinets, which is ideal for twins or kids of varying age groups. It can even hold a third seat with an additional rumble seat (sold separately).
A budget pick is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, which is affordable and similar in style to some of our more expensive awards winners. It also comes with the option of a third seat, which can be added by a rumble-seat (sold separately). It features adjustable, reclining chairs and a cup holder for the parent. It has a weight capacity of 50 pounds per seat, so it may not be suitable for very tall children.
Comfortable seats
A quality double pushchair with car seat will offer comfortable seats for your children. The seats must be padded and the harnesses need to be easy to use. The straps should be simple to adjust for height, and the buckles shouldn't require two hands to fasten. They must be strong enough to withstand repeated usage. If the buckles are difficult to operate, they may be unsafe and need to be replaced. The seats should also be capable of recline and have UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The recline feature is used by babies to sleep or older toddlers to observe the world.
Tandem buggies typically start as a single buggy and come with adapters to fit an additional seat or a baby car seat to the frame. They generally have a narrower footprint than side-by-side strollers however, they might be too big for some doorways. These buggies are also heavy and difficult to move over and down kerbs.
Side-by-side buggies on the contrary, are typically smaller than tandem models. They are more user-friendly and can be adapted to older twins. However, they're more expensive and might not be able to pass through all doors. The joovy Qool double bundle is an example of a two-by-side model that can be set up with the seats facing towards one another or facing forward. It can be used to make infant car seats, and comes with bassinet.
The majority of the models we tested only required one step to attach and remove the car seat from its frame. This is a huge benefit for parents on the on the go and don't want to juggle several steps. Some models, like the Doona or the BOB Revo Flex 3.0 Combo, have a two step attachment that involves pressing into place and strapping on. This additional step increases the chance of the car seat being fitted incorrectly. Some strollers were difficult to adjust the crotch or shoulder straps. Likewise, some car seat buckles could be difficult to operate.