When travelling with babies, no one likes to wake them after a car journey to move them from car seat to buggy, especially if this is for a brief trip which will involve returning to the car within a short time. There are numerous travel systems available for one baby but very few for two.
Twin Two by Jane
A tandem twin pushchair (one in front of the other) which has two large seats suitable from birth and can hold any combination of Jane car seats. The children can face forwards or to the rear or one of each, so they could face each other. The seat nearest the handle bar is higher. This is a very versatile stroller, and there is even an option to include the Jane Surfer Board for an older toddler.
The Twin Two chassis' s folded dimensions are 111 x 64 x 45cm and the chassis weight is 9kg. It has a fixed handle bar height of 102cm. Unfolded it measures H 102 x W 64 x L 120 cm. The buggy alone is in the region of £400, depending on the model two car seats included, but could run as high as around £600 to £700.
Powertwin Pro by Jane
A tandem twin buggy with three large aluminum wheels. It has two large forward facing seats which are suitable from birth. It can hold one or two Jane Strata car seats, the car seats are positioned to face to the rear.
The Powertwin Pro's folded chassis size is 46 x 35 x 87 cm and weight is 14.8kg (8.8kg without wheels). It has an adjustable handle bar. The stroller is in the region of £400 and as a travel system with 2 car seats is around £600 to £700.
Quattro Tour Duo - City by Graco
Although the back seat of this forward facing tandem is suitable from birth, the front seat reclines but does not lie flat. This seat is suitable for a baby from six months of age. This disadvantage is common to most of the less expensive tandem twin strollers. Its folded dimensions are 64 x 60 x 105 cm and unfolded it is W 60 x L 123cm. The handle bar is adjustable. and complete weight is just under 18 kg. This is a heavy pushchair for lifting into a car, and will be too big to fit in many. Despite its weight, it is widely reported to be very easy and comfortable to push.
The Quattro Tour Duo retails for a little over £220 and is compatible with 2 infant car seats, a total cost of less than £400.
Zoom by Leebruss
This double is most unusual in appearance (see photo). As standard, it comes with two seats suitable from 6 months, which can be positioned facing either direction, including the babies facing each other. Two carry cots suitable from birth and two car seats are optional extras (note, if two carry cots are fitted they have to face in opposite directions). Its main advantage is the folding mechanism of the buggy, it is extremely compact, especially if the wheels are also removed with their quick release mechanism.
Folded chassis dimensions are 89 x 49 x 69cm, open it is H 105 x W 70 x L125cm. The frame is 12.5kg and seats are each 3kg. The basic zoom is a little over £400 and complete package around double this price.
Disadvantages of the Travel Systems for Twins
- There is one side by side model, EasyWalker Duo, available from summer 2009, all other models are tandems.
- Twin tandems are narrow, fit through doorways but are very long (125cm = 49").
- Only the Twin Two and the Zoom can be parent facing strollers.
- Generally these are quite expensive, however, other quality twin strollers can be a similar price.
- The high price is partly due to the high cost of the car seats.
Safe Car Seat Usage
In the interest of baby safety, it should be noted that babies generally should lie flat on their backs for the benefit of their growing bodies and their breathing. There are concerns that when in the sitting up position in car seats babies' heads might flop about, flop forward and restrict their breathing. Some car seat designs have taken account of this. It is recommended that babies spend a maximum of two hours in a car seat at a time, less if they are very small or premature (Dept. of Transport,U.K.). Car seats should not be used for sitting or sleeping when in the house.
Summary
There are very few travel systems for twins. Graco, Jane and Leebruss each make a model of tandem stroller which can be used to carry two babies in cars seats. For some lifestyles the advantages of keeping the babies in their car seats for short trips will be tremendous. For other parents the travel system is not a priority compared with other important factors when choosing a pram.
Notes:
Prices are for guidance only based on purchase in the UK.
Measurements are in cm, to convert to inches simply multiply by 0.394
Sources:
Websites of First Wheels, Leebruss, Graco, on line catalogues, and parenting forums.
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