Choosing a Double Pushchair With Car Seat
Double pushchairs are great for families with twins, or infants and toddlers. Double pushchairs can seat two children in one chair and a carrycot may be added if necessary.
They can be configured in a variety of ways and can fit through the majority of hallways and doors. They're a bit longer than side-by-side buggies but they're more robust and can be used on roads.
Easy to manoeuvre
There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration when selecting the ideal double stroller for your family. First, you must look at the weight and size of the buggy and also its folding mechanism wheels, fabrications, and wheels. If you can, purchase a double stroller with car seat manufactured by a reputable firm. This will ensure the best price for resales in the near future.
There are two main types of double pushchairs: tandem as well as side-by-side. Side-by-side buggies come with fixed seats that can be placed side-by-side. They can be used for twins or children that are of different age groups. They are a bit wider than single pushchairs, and may have difficulty fitting through narrow or narrow spaces. They can also be heavy and difficult to push, especially when the children in the car seats are at the front.
Tandem buggies are generally more versatile as they offer a range of seating configurations with the option to have one or both of the seats facing either forwards or backwards. They're more expensive than side by side pushchairs but can be easier to fold and move. Many also come with an enormous shopping basket that can be used even when the seats are in a fully reclined position.
Another important factor to consider is whether the double pushchair comes with an locking front wheel. This will help you navigate through difficult terrain and transitions, while also making sure your children are safe and comfortable. You should also consider the amount of storage space that is available and if it's easily accessible, which will be very useful when you have lots of shopping to do with two children.
Check how the straps and buckles are to operate when purchasing a double stroller with car seat. Some buckles are easy and require only one hand to operate, while others may require two hands to operate. Find out if it comes with an adjustable strap that is padded for the crotch as well as an adjustable shoulder height. These features are vital for keeping your child safe.
Easy to fold
When you're choosing a double pushchair and car seat, it's important to think about how easy it will be to fold and store. Even with the child in every seat, the most efficient double strollers collapse quickly and easily. They can also fit into smaller spaces, making them ideal for urban living and parents with limited storage.
There are two primary types of double pushchairs: side-by-side and tandem. Side-by-side strollers are usually smaller than single strollers. This allows them to maneuver through narrow doorways and walkways. However, they can be long and heavy, so may be difficult to get up hills or onto the kerbs. Some models have a second seat in the undercarriage which can be handy to shop in or for children who would rather sit and watch their surroundings.
Tandem pushchairs tend to be wider than side-by-side models and can be quite long as well. They are extremely flexible and can be adapted for use with most infant car seats. Some models also come with an rumble seat as well as a bassinet attachment to accommodate growing families. Some of the best-rated double buggy brands provide a wide range of configurations.
Another thing to think about is the weight of your double buggy, particularly in the case of one that can fit infants in the carrycot. Some of the top double strollers have a large capacity for both seats and some allow you to add a second seat to the frame.
To ensure your child is comfortable, look for features like reversible seats, recline options, and adjustable legrests. Some of the best double pushchairs also come with an integrated tray for parents, which can be a great place for your keys and mobile phone. Most double pushchairs have at minimum two cupholders as well as an ample basket to keep all your shopping. You'll find some models with suspension and a foot break that can make moving the twins easier, especially on uneven terrain.
Easy to store
If you are looking for a double pushchair that is easy to store, look for one that folds compactly. They are typically a little larger than single buggies, but they can fit through doors that are standard and take up less space in your boot or car. Some models even come with a bag to make storage that is much easier.
A great choice is the UPPAbaby Vista Double. It has the side-by-side seating layout, with a variety of seating options, including two infant car seats. (Car seats and adapters are available separately) and a bassinet. It also comes with a huge storage basket, rain and UPF 50 canopies, a telescoping handlebar and comfortable seats. You can add a game to the cart, allowing another child to join in the fun.
There are a variety of alternatives. Jeep's TwinRoo+ is an excellent choice for those who love to go outdoors because it can be used either as an individual buggy or as double buggy. It has great suspension and air-filled tyres. It can even be adapted to jogging, which isn't always the case with double pushchairs. Some parents complain that the rumble seat's with padded backs aren't supportive, and that the cup holders on the seatback are flimsy.
Another option that is a great choice is an alternative is the Joovy Twin Xpand Car Seat Frame Double, which is similar to the design of some of our higher-end award winners. It folds compactly and accommodates both infant car seats and toddler seats that can be adapted to serve as bassinets making it ideal for twins or children of different age groups. It can even accommodate an additional seat using an extra rumble seat (sold separately).
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is a budget-friendly option that is similar in design to our award winners. It can also accommodate a third seat with an rumble seat (sold separately) and comes with an adjustable, reclining seat and a parent cup holder. It has a limited weight capacity of 50 pounds per seat, so it is not suitable for children who are very tall.
Comfortable seats
A double pushchair that is well-designed and has a car seat will offer comfortable seats for your children. The seats should be cushioned and the harnesses must be simple to use. The straps should be easy to adjust for height, and the buckles should not require two hands to tighten. They must be strong and durable enough to withstand repeated use. If the buckles are difficult to operate, they could be unsafe. They should be replaced. The seats should also be capable of recline and come with UPF 50+ canopy with windows that can be seen through. The recline feature is perfect for young babies who want to sleep or older toddlers who like to sit up and observe the world around them.
Tandem buggies are usually made as a single stroller but they come with adapters that let you add an additional seat. They usually have a smaller footprint than side-byside strollers, however they could be too wide for certain doorways. These buggies can also be extremely heavy, and they are often hard to manoeuvre over and down kerbs.
Side-by-side buggies, on other hand are usually smaller than tandem models. They are easier for twins to handle and can also accommodate older siblings. They are more expensive and may not be able to pass through every door. The double bundle from Joovy is a good illustration of a model which can have the seats facing one another, inwards or outwards. It can be used with infant car seats and includes a bassinet too.
double tandem pushchair of the models we tested had a single step procedure for attaching and detaching the car seat from the frame. This is a huge plus for parents on the move who do not want to spend time by completing numerous steps. Some models, such as 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 gives an opportunity for error and increases the chance that the car seat will be set up incorrectly. We also observed that a few strollers had trouble in adjusting the crotch strap or shoulder height, and buckles for car seats were often difficult to operate.