Choosing a Double Pushchair With Car Seat
Double pushchairs can be an ideal choice for families with twins, or a toddler plus an infant. Double pushchairs can seat two children in one seat and a carrycot can be added if necessary.
They typically come with a large number of seat configurations and can fit through most doorways/hallways. They're a bit larger than side-by-side buggies, however they are more sturdy and can be used on kerbs.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are several things to consider when choosing the ideal double stroller for your family. You should first consider the weight and size and the mechanism used to fold the buggy wheels, construction and design. 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 and side by side. Side-by-side buggies come with fixed seats that sit in a row, side-by-side. they are suitable for twins or children of different ages. They are larger than single pushchairs and may have difficulty fitting through narrow passageways or doors. They can be also heavy and lengthy to push, especially when the children in the car seats are in the front.
Tandem buggies are typically more flexible, as they come with a range of seating configurations and options, such as the possibility to have both of the seats facing either forward or backwards. They're generally more expensive than side-byside pushchairs, however they are more easy to manoeuvre and fold. A lot of them have 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 a locking front wheel. This will let you traverse difficult terrains and transitions, while also making sure your children are secure and comfortable. Take a look at the storage space and determine if it is easily accessible. This can be beneficial when you have to do lots of grocery shopping with two kids.
If you are considering purchasing a double pushchair that comes with a car seat, also consider how it is easy to operate the straps and buckles. Some buckles are easy and only require one-handed operation and others require two-handed operation. Find out if it has an padded strap for the crotch and a shoulder height adjustment. These features are essential to keeping your child safe.
Folding is simple
It's important to think about how easy it is to fold and store a double pushchair that includes car seats. Even with children in every seat, the best double strollers fold up quickly and easily. They are also compact, making them ideal for city living or parents with a limited storage space.
There are two primary types of double pushchairs namely side-by-side and tandem. Side-by-side buggys tend to be narrower than single strollers, which makes them ideal for manoeuvring in tight doorways and narrow paths. They can be heavy and long, which makes them difficult to push up a hill or on kerbs. Certain models include an additional seat in the undercarriage which is great to shop or for children who would rather sit up and observe their surroundings.
Tandem pushchairs can be wider and longer than side-byside models. They are extremely adaptable and can be adapted for use with any infant car seats. Some have the option of a rumble-seat and bassinet attachment to accommodate growing families. The top rated double buggy brands can offer many different designs, and some even have reversible seats so you can change the seating direction according to your needs.
The weight of the double buggy is also important, particularly in the event that it's to be used by a baby in a carrycot. Some of the best double strollers have ample capacity for both seats, and some allow you to add a second seat to the frame.
Check for features like recline options, reversible seats and adjustable leg rests to help your children get comfortable. Some of the best double strollers will come with a tray for parents built-in, which is a great spot to keep your keys and phone. They'll usually come with at minimum two cup holders as well as a large basket for all your shopping. There are models that have suspension and a foot break which makes pushing the twins a lot easier, particularly over uneven terrain.
Easy to store
Find a double stroller that folds compactly. They are generally a bit wider than single buggies, but they can fit through standard doors and take up less room in your car or boot. Some models include a carry bag to make storage that is much easier.
A great option is the UPPAbaby Vista Double. The stroller features a side-by seat layout and comes with a variety of seating options with two infant car seats (car seats and adapters are sold separately), as well as 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 riding board to let a third child join in on the fun.
There are plenty of alternatives to think about, too. 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. It can even be modified to running, which isn't often the case with double pushchairs. However, some parents find that the rumble seat's padded back isn't very comfortable and the cup holders for the child's seatback aren't very sturdy.
Another great option is the Joovy Twin Xpand Car Seat Frame Double It is similar in design to some of our higher-end 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 ideal for twins and kids of different age groups. It can even hold a third seat with an additional rumble seat (sold separately).
A budget pick is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, that is affordable and comparable in style to some of our more expensive awards winners. It also can accommodate an additional seat by adding the option of a rumble chair (sold separately) and features an adjustable, reclining seat and a parent cup holder. It has a weight capacity of 50 pounds per seat, which means it is not suitable for very tall children.
Comfortable seats
A good double pushchair with car seat will provide comfortable seats for your children. The seats must be padded and the harnesses easy to use. The straps should be easily adjustable to height, and the buckles need not require two hands. They must be strong enough to withstand the repeated use. If the buckles can be difficult to operate, it may be unsafe. They should be replaced. Seats should recline easily and have a large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The reclining feature can be used by babies to sleep or older toddlers to look around the world around them.
Tandem buggies usually start out as a single stroller and have adapters to add an additional seat or a baby car seat to the frame. They usually have a smaller footprint than side-by-side strollers, however they could be too large for some doors. They can also be very heavy, and they are generally 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 two-by-side model that can be set with the seats facing in, one another or facing forward. It is suitable for infant car seats, and it comes with a bassinet.
The majority of the models that we tested only required one step to connect and remove the car seat from its frame. This is a huge plus for parents who are constantly on the move and don't want to muddle through with multiple steps. Certain models, such as the Doona or the BOB Revo Flex 3.0 Combo, have an attachment with two steps that requires pressing into place and securing the. This extra step provides an opportunity for error and increases the likelihood that the car seat will be fitted incorrectly. We also discovered that some strollers had trouble in adjusting the crotch strap or shoulder height, and buckles on the car seat were at times difficult to operate.