Choosing a Double Pushchair With Car Seat
Double pushchairs are perfect for families with twins or infants and toddlers. Double pushchairs can fit two children on one seat and a carrycot can be added if necessary.
They typically come with a large number of seat configurations and are able to fit through most doorways/hallways. They are a bit longer than side-by-side buggies, but they're more robust and can be used on pavements.
Easy to manoeuvre
There are several things to consider when choosing the best double stroller for your family. It is important to first think about the weight and size, as well as the mechanism used to fold the buggy wheels, construction and design. If you can, purchase a double pushchair and car seat from a reputable brand to give you the best return on investment in the future.
Double pushchairs are available in two main types: side-by-side and tandem. Side-by-side buggies are equipped with fixed seats that sit in a row, side-by-side. they are suitable for twins or children of different age groups. However they are generally wider than single pushchairs and may struggle to fit through some doors or narrow pathways. In addition, they may also be long and heavy to push, particularly if the children are in car seats in the front.
Tandem buggies are generally more flexible, as they come with the option of a variety of seating arrangements with the option to have both of the seats facing forwards or backwards. They are more expensive than side by side pushchairs, but they are easier to fold and maneuver. A lot of them have large shopping baskets that can be used even when the seats are in a fully reclined position.
A front wheel that locks is another important feature to look for in a double pushchair. This will allow you to navigate tricky terrain and transitions while ensuring your children are safe and secure. You should also consider the amount of storage space available and whether it is accessible, since this can be extremely useful when you have lots of shopping to do for two children.
Find out how easy the buckles and straps are to operate when buying a double stroller that comes with a car seat. Some buckles are simple and only require one hand to operate and others are more complex and require two hands. Find out if it comes with an padded strap for the crotch and a shoulder height adjustment. These features are vital to keeping your child safe.
Easy to fold
It's important to think about how it's easy to fold and put away a double pushchair that includes a car seat. The best double strollers are quick and easy to fold down even with children in each seat. They also fit into small spaces, making them ideal for urban living and parents with limited storage space.
There are two kinds of double pushchairs - tandem and side-by-side. Side-by-side buggys are typically narrower than single strollers, making them ideal for maneuvering in tight doorways and narrow pathways. They can be heavy and long, which makes them difficult to push up a hill, or on the kerbs. Certain models include an additional seat under the carriage, which is great to shop or for children who like to sit up and look around their surroundings.
double running stroller are often wider than side-by-side models, and they can be quite long too. They are however extremely adaptable and can be modified to work with most infant car seats. Some models also come with an rumble seat as well as a bassinet attachment for families that are growing. The top-rated double buggy brands offer a huge range of designs, and some even have seats that can be reversible so you can alter the seating direction to meet your preferences.
The weight of the double buggy is also important, especially in the event that it's to be used for a newborn baby in a carrycot. Some of the best double pushchairs come with a large capacity for both seats and some even allow you to add a third seat on the frame (although this isn't suitable for all babies).
To ensure your child is comfortable, look for features such as reversible seating as well as recline options and adjustable legrests. Some of the best double pushchairs will also have a built-in tray for parents that can be an ideal place to store your keys and mobile phone. They'll usually come with 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 double strollers that fold easily. They are generally a bit wider than single buggies, but they are able to pass through standard doorways and take up less space in your car or boot. Some models come with a carry bag to make storage easier.
A great option is the UPPAbaby Vista Double. This stroller has a side-by-side seat layout, and offers a variety of seating configurations, including two infant car seats (car seats and adapters sold separately) and a bassinet attachment. It also has a large storage basket as well as UPF 50 and rain canopies, telescoping handlebar, and comfortable seats. You can also add a riding board to allow a third child to take part in the fun.
There are plenty of double jogging stroller to think about, too. The Jeep-branded TwinRoo+ is a good choice for outdoor lovers because it can be used as a single or double buggy with a pair of rumble seats (extra kit is required). It is a great suspension model and air-filled tyres, and can even be adapted to running, which isn't always the case with double pushchairs. Some parents complain that the rumble seats' padded back isn’t very comfortable, and that the cup holders on the child's seatback are flimsy.
Another option that is a great choice is the Joovy Twin Xpand Car Seat Frame Double, which is similar in design to some of our higher-end award winners. It has a compact fold and can be used with toddler and infant car seats that can be altered to act as bassinets, which makes it perfect for twins and children with different age groups. It can even accommodate an additional seat using an extra rumble seat (sold separately).
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is an affordable option that's like our award winners. It also has an additional seat that can be added with a rumble seat (sold separately). It comes with an reclined, adjustable chairs as well as a cup holder for the parent. It only has a 50-pound weight limit per seat. This means it might not be suitable for children who are taller than.
Comfortable seats
A double pushchair that is well-designed and has a car seat will provide comfortable seats for your children. The seats should 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 tighten. They should be strong enough to stand up to repeated use. If the buckles can be difficult to operate, it could be dangerous. They must be replaced. Seats should recline easily and have a large UPF 50+ canopy and windows that peek out. The reclining feature is great for young babies who want to rest and older toddlers who prefer to sit up and look at the world around them.
Tandem buggies usually start out as a single stroller and include adapters to add a second seat or infant car seat to the frame. They usually have a smaller footprint than side-by-side strollers but they may still be too wide for some doors. These buggies can also be quite heavy, and they are generally difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs.
Side-by-side buggies, on the other hand, tend to be more compact than tandem models. They are simpler for twins to maneuver and can accommodate older siblings. They are more expensive, and they may not fit through every door. The joovy qool double-bundle is an example of a side-by-side model that can be set up with the seats facing in, each other or forward. It is suitable for infant car seats, and comes with a bassinet.
The majority of the models we tested featured a one-step procedure for attaching and removing the car seat from the frame. This is a huge benefit for parents 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, feature an attachment that requires placing the attachment in place and then attaching straps. This additional step increases the risk of the car seat being installed incorrectly. We also found that some of the strollers had difficulty adjusting the crotch strap and shoulder height, and the buckles on the car seat were at times difficult to operate.
