Choosing a Double Pushchair With Car Seat
Double pushchairs are ideal for families with twins or an infant and toddler. Double pushchairs can fit two children in one seat and a carrycot can be added in the event of need.
They can be arranged in a variety of ways and can be inserted into most hallways and doors. They're a little longer than side-by-side buggies, but they're more sturdy and can be used on pavements.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best double stroller for your family. It is important to first think about the size and weight, as well as the mechanism used to fold the buggy, wheels and construction. If possible, try to purchase a double pushchair and car seats from a reputable brand to offer the best resale value in the future.
Double pushchairs are available in two types: side-by-side and tandem. Side-by-side buggies have fixed seats that are positioned side-by-side, and they can be suitable for twins or children of different ages. However, they tend to be bigger than single pushchairs, and might be difficult to fit through some doors or narrow roads. Additionally, they can also be heavy and long to push, especially when children are in car seats at the front.
Tandem buggies are typically more versatile as they offer the option of a variety of seating arrangements with the option to have both of the seats facing in the direction of forward or backwards. They are usually more expensive than side-byside pushchairs, however, they are easier to maneuver and fold. Many of them come with an enormous basket that can be accessed even when the seats are reclined.
Another important factor to consider is whether the double pushchair has a locking front wheel. This will allow you to traverse difficult terrains 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 is important if you need to do a lot of grocery shopping while having two children.
Examine how 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 for operation, while others can be more complex and require two hands. Find out if it comes with an padded strap for the crotch or an adjustable shoulder height. These features are essential to keeping your child safe.
Folding is simple
It is important to consider how easy it is to fold and put away a double pushchair that includes a car seat. The top double strollers are swift and easy to collapse even with children in each seat. They can also fit into smaller spaces, making them ideal for city dwellers and parents with limited storage.
There are two types of double pushchairs: tandem and side-by-side. Side-by-side strollers are generally smaller than single strollers, which makes them ideal for maneuvering through tight doorways and narrow paths. They can be heavy and long, making them difficult to push up a hill, or on kerbs. Some models have an additional seat in the undercarriage which can be handy to shop in or for children who would rather sit up and observe their surroundings.
Tandem pushchairs are typically wider and longer than side-byside models. They are extremely flexible and can be adapted for use with any infant car seat. Some double buggy brands also offer a rumble-seat and bassinets for families growing. The best rated double buggy brands provide an array of options, including seats that can be reversible so you can change the seating direction to meet your preferences.
The weight of the double buggy is crucial, particularly if it's going to be used by a baby in a carrycot. Some of the top double pushchairs come with a large 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 babies).
Be sure to look for features like recline options, reversible seating and adjustable leg rests to ensure your children are comfortable. Some of the best double pushchairs also come with an integrated tray for parents that can be a great place for your mobile phone and keys. The majority of double pushchairs come with at least two cupholders, and a large basket for everything you need to shop. Some models have a foot rest and suspension to make pushing twins easier especially on rough terrain.
Easy to store
Look for a double stroller that folds in a compact manner. They tend to be a bit larger than single buggies, but they can be pushed through doors of standard size and take up less space in your car or in your boot. Some models come with a carry bag to make storage much easier.
A great choice is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double. This stroller features a side by 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, rain canopies with telescoping handles and comfortable seats. You can add a board to the cart, allowing another child to be part of the fun.
There are plenty of alternatives to think about, too. The Jeep-branded TwinRoo+ is a good option for those who love to be outdoors because it can be used as a single or double buggy with a pair of rumble seats (extra kit required). It has air-filled tires and a great suspension. It can also be modified for jogging. However, some parents complain that the cushioned back isn't as sturdy and that the cup holders for the child's seatback are flimsy.
The Joovy Twin Xpand Car Seat Frame Double is a great choice. It's similar to the style of some of the more expensive award winners. It folds down compactly and can accommodate both infant car seats and toddler seats that can be altered to function as bassinets making it ideal for twins or kids with different ages. It can even hold an additional seat by adding an extra rumble seat (sold separately).
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is an affordable option that's similar in design to our award-winning models. It also has a third seat that can be added with a rumble seat (sold separately). It features reclined, adjustable chairs as well as a cup holder for the parent. It has a limit on weight capacity of 50 pounds per seat, meaning it may not be suitable for children who are very tall.
Comfortable seats
A quality double pushchair with car seat will offer comfortable seats for your children. The seats should be cushioned and the harnesses need to be simple to use. The straps must be adjustable for height and the buckles need not require two hands. They should be durable enough to withstand repeated usage. If the buckles are difficult to operate, they could be unsafe and need to be replaced. Seats should be able to recline easily and have a large UPF 50+ canopy that has a peekaboo window. The recline feature can be used by young babies to sleep or older toddlers to look around the world.
Tandem buggies usually start out as a single buggy, and include adapters to add an additional seat or car seat to the frame. They usually have a smaller footprint than side-by-side strollers, however they could be too big for some doors. These buggies are also heavy and difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs.
On the other hand side-by-side buggies tend to be more compact than tandem models. They are less difficult to navigate and can be adapted to older twins. They are more expensive, and may not pass through all doors. The joovy Qool double bundle is an example of a side-by-side model that can be set with the seats facing into each other or forward. It can be used with infant car seats and includes a bassinet too.
The majority of the models that we tested only required one step to attach and detach the car seat from its frame. This is a huge plus for parents on the move who don't want to muddle through with multiple steps. Certain models, like the Doona and the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Combo, feature an attachment with two steps that require placing the attachment in place and then putting on straps. This additional step gives an error margin and increases the chance that the car seat will be fitted incorrectly. We also discovered that some of the strollers had difficulty making adjustments to the crotch strap as well as shoulder height, and the buckles for car seats were often difficult to operate.