Choosing a Double Pushchair With Car Seat
Double pushchairs can be an ideal choice for families with twins or a toddler with a newborn. They are able to accommodate both children on one seat, and also have a carrycot added if needed.
They can be set up in many ways and can fit through the majority of hallways and doors. They're a bit bigger than side by side buggies but they're much more sturdy and can be used on the kerbs.
Easy to Manoeuvre
When it comes to choosing the most suitable double pushchair for your family, there are a few things that you need to consider. You should first consider the size and weight, as well as the mechanism used to fold the buggy, wheels and construction. If you can, buy a double stroller that has a car seat manufactured by a reputable manufacturer. This will ensure the highest resale value in the future.
Double pushchairs come in two primary types: side-by-side and tandem. Side-by-side buggies are made with fixed seats that can be positioned side-by-side. They are suitable for twins or children that are different age. However they are typically larger than single pushchairs and might be difficult to fit through some doors or narrow paths. They can also be heavy and difficult to push, especially if the children in the car seats are at the front.
Tandem buggies provide more flexibility because they can be configured in a variety of ways. One or both seats can face either backwards or forwards. They are more expensive than side-by-side pushchairs but can be easier to fold and maneuver. Many of them come with large baskets that can be used even when the seats are reclined fully.
A locking front wheel is another important feature to look for in a double pushchair. This will let you navigate difficult terrain and transitions while also making sure your children are secure and comfortable. Check out the storage space and determine if it is easily accessible. This can be beneficial if you need to do lots of grocery shopping with two children.
Examine how easy the buckles and straps are to operate before purchasing a double stroller and car seat. Some buckles are simple and only require one hand for operation however, others might require two hands to operate. Find out if it comes with an padded strap for the crotch and an adjustable shoulder height. These features are essential to ensure your child's safety.
Folding is easy
It is important to consider how easy it is to fold and store a double pushchair which includes a car seat. The most efficient double strollers are fast and easy to fold even with a child in each seat. They are also compact, making them ideal for urban living or parents with a limited storage space.
There are two primary types of double pushchairs: side-byside and tandem. Side-by-side buggys tend to be narrower than single strollers, making them ideal for manoeuvring in narrow entranceways and narrow paths. However they can be lengthy and heavy, which means they can be difficult to climb up hills or over kerbs. Certain models include an additional seat in the undercarriage which can be handy to shop in or for children who prefer to sit and watch their surroundings.
Tandem pushchairs are often wider than side-by-side models, and they can be quite long as well. They are extremely flexible and can be made to use with any infant car seats. Some double buggy brands also provide a rumble-seat as well as a bassinet for growing families. Some of the best-rated double buggy brands have an array of configurations.
The weight of the double buggy is also important, particularly when it's being used for a newborn baby in a carrycot. The best double pushchairs have an ample capacity for both seats and some will even allow you to add a third seat to the frame (although this isn't suitable for all infants).
Check for features like reversible seats, recline options and leg rests that can be adjusted to ensure your children are comfortable. Some of the best double pushchairs will also feature a built-in parent tray which is the perfect place to keep your keys and mobile phone. They'll usually come with at minimum two cup holders as well as a spacious basket to stash all your items. There are models that have suspension and a foot break, which can make moving the twins easier, particularly over uneven terrain.
Easy to store
Find double strollers that fold in a compact manner. They're typically a little bigger than single buggies however, they can be able to fit through standard doorways and take up less room in your car or in your boot. Some models include a carrying bag to make storage easier.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double is a great option. This stroller features an incline-to-side seating layout, with a variety of seating configurations including two infant car seats. (Car seats and adapters are sold separately) as well as bassinet. It has a large storage basket as well as UPF 50 and rain canopies with telescoping handles and comfortable seats. You can even include a riding board to allow a third child be part of the fun.
There are a variety of other options. The Jeep-branded TwinRoo+ is a good option for outdoor enthusiasts because it can be used as an individual or double buggy, with a pair of rumble seats (extra kit needed). It is a great suspension model and air-filled tyres, and can even be modified to running, which isn't often the case with double pushchairs. However, some parents find that the padding on the back isn't that sturdy and that the cup holders for the child's seatback aren't very sturdy.
The Joovy Twin Xpand Car Seat Frame Double is a different excellent option. It's similar in style to some of the top award winners. It has a compact fold and accommodates both toddler and infant car seats that can be adapted to serve as bassinets which makes it perfect for twins and children of different ages. It can even accommodate an additional seat using an additional rumble seat (sold separately).
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is a budget-friendly option that is like our award winners. It also has room for an additional seat by adding a rumble seat (sold separately) and features an adjustable, reclining seat and a parent cup holder. It has a limited weight capacity of 50 pounds per seat, which means it may not be suitable for children who are taller than.
Comfortable seats
A double pushchair with the car seat is a good choice for children. The seats must be padded and the harnesses must be simple to use. The straps must be easy to adjust for height and the buckles shouldn't require two hands to secure. They should be durable enough to withstand the repeated use. If the buckles are difficult to operate, it could be unsafe. They should be replaced. The seats should be able to recline easily and come with UPF 50+ canopies with windows that can be seen through. The recline feature is used by babies to nap or older toddlers to look around the world around them.
Tandem buggies are typically designed as a single buggy, and come with adapters to fit an additional seat or car seat to the frame. Get the facts are smaller in size than strollers that are side by side however they may be too big for some doors. These buggies can also be quite heavy, and they are generally difficult to maneuver over and down kerbs.
On the other hand side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller than tandem models. They are less difficult to navigate and can be adapted to older twins. However, they're more expensive and may not be able to fit through all doors. The double bundle from Joovy is a great illustration of a model that has the seats facing one another either outwards or inwards. It can be used with car seats for infants and comes with a bassinet, too.
The majority of the models we tested featured a one-step procedure for attaching and detaching the car seat from the frame. This is a huge plus for parents who are on the move and do not want to spend time with multiple steps. Some models, such as the Doona and the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Combo, come with an attachment with two steps that require pressing in place and then putting on straps. This additional step increases the likelihood of the car seat being fitted incorrectly. We also discovered that some of the strollers had difficulty in adjusting the crotch strap or shoulder height, and the buckles for car seats were often difficult to operate.