Choosing a Double Pushchair With Car Seat
Double pushchairs can be a great option for families with twins or a toddler and an infant. They can accommodate both children on one seat and can also be equipped with the option of a carrycot, if required.
They can be configured in various ways and fit through most doors/hallways. They're a little bit larger than side-by-side buggies, however they are more robust and can be used on the kerbs.
Easy to manoeuvre
When you are deciding on the best double pushchair for your family there are some things you need to consider. You should first consider the size and weight, as well as the buggy's folding mechanism, wheels and construction. If possible, try to buy a double pushchair with car seat from a reputable brand, as it will offer the best price for resales in the near future.
Double pushchairs are available in two kinds: tandem and side-by-side. Side-by side buggies are designed with fixed seats that can be positioned side-by-side. They are suitable for twins or kids who are of different age groups. However they are typically wider than single pushchairs and may struggle to fit through some doors or down narrow roads. Additionally, they can also be long and heavy to push, particularly if the children are in car seats in the front.
Tandem buggies are usually more flexible as they provide the option of a variety of seating arrangements and options, such as the possibility to have either of the seats facing in the direction of forward or backwards. They're more expensive than side-by-side pushchairs but can be easier to fold and maneuver. A lot of them have a large shopping basket that is accessible even when the seats are fully reclined position.
Another important factor to consider is whether the double pushchair has an locking front wheel. This will make it easier to negotiate tricky terrain and transitions and will ensure that your little ones remain safe and comfortable. It is also important to consider the amount of storage space that is available and if it's easily accessible, which will be very useful in the event that you have a lot of shopping to complete with two children.
When you are buying a double pushchair with car seat, also check how it is easy to operate the straps and buckles. Some buckles are simple and only require one hand to operate and others are more complex and require two hands. Find out if the buckle has an padded strap for the crotch or an adjustable shoulder height. These features are crucial to ensure your child's safety.
Easy to fold
It is important to consider how it's easy to fold and store a double pushchair that includes car seats. Even with a child in every seat, the most efficient double strollers fold down quickly and easily. They can also fit into smaller spaces, making them ideal for city dwellers and parents with limited storage.
There are two main types of double pushchairs namely side-by-side and tandem. Side-by-side buggys are typically narrower than single strollers, which makes them ideal for maneuvering through narrow entranceways and narrow pathways. However, they can be long and heavy, which means they can be difficult to get up hills or onto the kerbs. Some models have a second seat under the carriage, which can be handy to shop in or for children who prefer to sit and watch their surroundings.
Tandem pushchairs tend to be wider than side-by-side models, and can be quite lengthy too. They are extremely versatile and can be modified for use with any infant car seats. Some double buggy brands include a rumble seat and bassinets for families that are growing. The top-rated double buggy brands offer an array of options, including seats that are reversible, allowing you to alter the seating direction according to your preferences.
The weight of the double buggy is also important, especially in the event that it's to be used by a baby in a carrycot. Some of the top double pushchairs have a high capacity for both seats, and some even allow you to add a third seat onto the frame (although this isn't recommended for all babies).
Check for features such as reversible seats, recline options and adjustable leg rests to help your kids get comfortable. Some of the top double pushchairs also come with a built-in tray for parents which is a great place for your keys and mobile phone. They'll typically have at least two cup holders and 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, especially on uneven terrain.
Easy to store
Look for double strollers that fold easily. They are generally a bit bigger than single buggies but they can fit through doors that are standard and take up less space in your car or in your boot. Some models even include a carry bag that makes storage much easier.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double is an excellent option. It has a side-by-side seat layout and comes with a variety of seating configurations that include two infant car seats (car seats and adapters sold separately) and an attachment for a bassinet. It also has a large storage basket, rain and UPF 50 canopies, a telescoping handlebar and comfortable seats. You can also add a board to the cart, allowing a third kid to join in the fun.
There are many other options. The Jeep-branded TwinRoo+ is a good option for outdoor enthusiasts because it can be used as an individual or double buggy that comes with rumble seats (extra kit is required). It is a great suspension model and air-filled tyres, and can even be adapted to jogging, which isn't always the case with double pushchairs. However, some parents find that the rumble seat's padded back isn't very sturdy and that the cup holders on the back of the seat are flimsy.
The Joovy Twin Xpand Car Seat Frame Double is another excellent option. It is similar to some of the top award winners. It is compact and can be used to accommodate infant car seats as well as toddler seats which can be converted to bassinets. This makes it suitable for twins as well as children of different age groups. It can also hold an additional child seat and an additional rumble seat.
A good option for budget-conscious buyers is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, that is affordable and comparable in style to some of our top awards winners. It also has room for an additional seat by adding an rumble seat (sold separately) and features an adjustable, reclining seat and a parent cup holder. It only has a weight limit of 50 pounds per seat. This means that it might not be suitable for children who are taller than.
Comfortable seats
A double pushchair that includes an automobile seat is a great option for children. The seats should 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 strong enough to stand up to repeated use. If the buckles are difficult to operate, they could be unsafe and need to be replaced. Seats should recline easily, and come with a large UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo window. The recline feature is ideal for young babies who want to nap and older toddlers who like to sit up and observe the world around them.
Tandem buggies are typically designed as a single buggy, and include adapters to add an additional seat or car seat to the frame. They typically have a narrower footprint than side-by-side strollers however they could be too wide for some doors. These buggies can also be very heavy and typically difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs.
Side-by-side buggies, on the other hand are usually smaller than tandem models. They are simpler for twins to maneuver and can accommodate older siblings. However, they are expensive and might not be able to fit through all doors. The double bundle from Joovy is an excellent example of a model which can have the seats facing one another either inwards or outwards. It can be used with car seats for infants and includes a bassinet as well.
The majority of the models we tested only required only one step to attach and remove the car seat from its frame. This is a huge benefit for parents who are constantly on the move who don't want to waste time by completing multiple steps. Certain models, like the Doona and the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Combo, have an attachment that requires clicking in place and attaching straps. This additional step increases the risk of the car seat being set up incorrectly. We also found that some strollers had trouble adjusting the crotch strap and shoulder height, and the car seat buckles were sometimes difficult to operate.