Six Factors in Buying a Twin Stroller or Pram

Guide to Choosing a Pushchair or Buggy for Newborn Twin Babies

Feb 25, 2009

When choosing a pram for twin babies there may appear to be lots of choice, but many twin strollers might not be suitable for newborn twins.

There are many factors to consider for anyone buying a pushchair, especially those buying for twins. At first glance there may appear to be lots of choice with many models of twin and double buggies on the market. There are, however, lots of models which are very similar, many disadvantages to be aware of, and many useful features which parents may wish to consider.

The difficulty of shopping for twins is further compounded because stores (including those online) do not usually arrange their stock or information in a way that is easy for parents of twins to navigate. Many shops offer a subcategory of twins and multiples in the store catalogue, but fail to then give vital information about the products which may be pictured.

There are three main problems in finding a buggy for newborn twins. These are common on websites but occur in stores as well.

Three Problems when Choosing Twin Buggies

A twin pushchair may be described as suitable from birth. Further investigation will reveal only one of the seats fully reclines and is suitable from birth whereas the other is suitable from 6 months. This problem is common among tandem (one behind the other) models. When these are removed one may find a store has just one or two models which are suitable for newborn twins, i.e. very little choice at all.

The detailed information accompanying a product is often wrong. The inaccuracy is usually due to the details being for the singleton model of the pushchair made by the same manufacturer. The wrong information can be misleading in important ways: e.g. for both the First Wheels City Twin and Leebruss Premier Twin in contrast to the similar single models:

As always buyers should be wary of meaningless phrases such as “fits through most standard doors”. This would seem to mean standard doors of modern shops and commercial buildings because the side by side models of pushchair which are described in this way are typically wider than a domestic U.K. front door and the internal doorways are even narrower. For example, some of the narrowest side by side pushchairs are:

The narrowest side by side pushchairs tend to be the cheapest most basic models, such as:

Three Factors to Consider When Buying a Twin Stroller

Should the children sit: side by side; tandem (one behind the other); or facing each other? The second and third options can give toddlers the opportunity to fight over the best seat. Side by side has the distinct disadvantage that such buggies are always wide whereas tandems tend to be more difficult to steer. Maneuverability, however, is determined by the whole design and construction of the buggy, including suspension and the size of its wheels.

It is suggested that babies should face the rear, being able to look at their parents. Most models of pushchairs have them facing forward, the direction of travel. Some models are adaptable to do both, for example the First Wheels City Twin.

Size might not be important if you live in a big house with storage space, a back garden, and patio doors. You have to accept that twins take up more space than one baby and the best buggies are large. If it does need to go through certain spaces or be stored in the car then carefully measure; do not assume it will fit.

Easy to steering and durable? Weight is only an issue if it needs to be lifted, it does not directly relate to push-ability. Do not assume it will be difficult to steer just because it is heavy or large; equally, a small, light model may not be easy to use. This is where reading reviews and test driving are most useful. Price can be a good guide to quality in this competitive market.

Different families will have different requirements so not all points in this list will be prerequisite:

Buying a Twin Stroller

Check whether the stroller is suitable for your family and lifestyle. Will it do what you need it to such as carry new born babies or face the parent? Will it fit where it needs to, in the hallway, through the door or in the car? Do you need any extras, such as a raincover? Make sure the information you have about the product is accurate.

Note: all models mentioned in this article are side by side models which are suitable for newborn twin babies.

This article is based on research using many online catalogues, customer reviews and forums for parents of twins including the websites of the following organisations:

The copyright of the article Six Factors in Buying a Twin Stroller or Pram in Baby Products is owned by Deborah Percy. Permission to republish Six Factors in Buying a Twin Stroller or Pram in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.