Buying a pushchair for just one baby can be a minefield – there are so many different models and brands to choose from – so you would think that buying a double pushchair would be even more confusing.  Well, yes and no.  It is more tricky because you have to make sure all your needs are catered for – especially if you’re buying a double pushchair for a baby and a toddler to share.  On the other hand there are some simple decisions you can take quite quickly which will narrow down your search considerably.

The first decision is whether to go for a tandem or twin pushchair.  Below I’ve compiled a handy list of the pros and cons of each type.  Once you’ve decided which type to go for, then you will need to consider a few more essential questions that are relevant for both twin and tandem double pushchairs.  These are:

• Does it comply with safety standards? All pushchairs should now be fitted with a 5 point harness to keep your little ones secure in their seat.

• Will it fit through the door/ in your car/ into the storage area in your home? Make sure you measure your car boot space etc, before you buy.

• Does it have adequate undercarriage shopping basket storage? Do not underestimate just how much stuff your little darlings will need!

• Do you want one that is compatible with infant car seats and/or carrycots? Very few double pushchairs have this feature which is fairly standard with single pushchairs.

Twin Pushchairs – where the seats are arranged next to each other

Pros

• Usually lighter than the tandem ones

• More likely to be suitable from birth (see below)

• Some parents feel this style allows them to be closer to both children whilst with the tandem one you can feel like the front seat is very far away

Cons

• Can be difficult getting through doors, onto escalators and lifts as they are wider than tandem versions

• Some models have quite narrow seats which is not great if you have an older toddler

• Children sit next to each other, which is fine if they are nice to each other!

Tandem Double Pushchairs – where the seats are arranged one in front of the other

Pros

• Easier fit through doorways

• More difficult for toddler (usually in the front seat) to annoy baby

Cons

• Can be tricky getting onto escalators and lifts as they are longer than twin versions

• Usually quite heavy and can be difficult to manoeuvre

• Usually quite bulky, even when folded

• Fewer models are suitable from birth for twins

Attention if you’re expecting twins!

Almost all the twin double pushchairs I’ve seen are suitable from birth, whereas with the majority of tandem double pushchairs you will find that only one of the seats is suitable from birth – so if you’re determined to go for a tandem, you may be limited in your choice.

OBaby Apollo Twin Pushchair – from £90

Obaby Apollo Twin

suitable: from 3 months to 3 years weight: 13.6 kg

This is the cheapest product in this list and that is just as well, since it cannot be used from birth and therefore will only be useful as a secondary holiday pushchair when your babies are a bit older. However, as a holiday pushchair, it is great! It’s not too heavy, has a compact umbrella folding mechanism and a handy carry handle for getting it in and out of storage. The seats adjust separately, the hoods are detachable, there is a decent sized shopping basket and a matching rain cover.  It also comes in a range of colours including black, pink, brown, blue & pink.

Graco Duo Sport – from £140

suitable: from birth to 3 years weight:10.2 kg

Graco Duo Sport

This is a very practical lightweight cheap twin pushchair from the trusted brand Graco and is quite affordable.  Absolutely the best thing about it is that it is really compact when folded – great if your car or house is already jam packed with baby stuff! – and it folds down quite easily with one hand and stands on its own when folded which is handy too.  It also has independently adjustable seats, the sun canopies can be removed if you want, and there is a large undercarriage shopping basket to carry all their things!  My only gripe is that it only comes in this navy blue colour and, frankly, I’m not completely in love with the plain, slightly utilitarian feel of the design.

Cosatto You 2 Twin Pushchairs – from £220

suitable: from Birth weight: 11.3 kg

Cosatto You 2 Twin Pushchairs

There are two really great things about the Cosatto You 2 Twin Pushchairs – one is the great value price and the other is the free 4 year guarantee (when you register with manufacturer within 28 days of purchase).  I also really love the  funky/ fun designs which include 2 Peas in  Pod, Sugar & Spice, You & Me, and Sis & Bro.  It is suitable from birth and the seats operate separately from each other with  three recline positions and there are two independent removable canopies.  Included as standard are matching two head supports (great for small babies), two cosy toes, two chest pads, two bottle carriers, two undercarriage baskets and a rain cover.  Finally I think the fact that the wheels have a lockable swivel function is great – it’s easy to negotiate normal ground and sturdy enough to tackle rougher terrain too. Really great value, headache free and one of the few twin pushchairs from birth!

Out n About Nipper Double 360 – from £300

suitable: from birth to 4 years weight: 10 kg

Out n About Double Pushchair

This has got to be one of my favourite twin  pushchairs as it is one of the lightest on the market – at just 10 kg, it fits through most standard doors and the front wheel turns a full 360 degrees making it more easy to manoeuvre, all of which means that it is ideal for quick trips to the shops, getting in and out of the house and negotiating escalators and lifts!  It is also suitable from birth, which is great for twins.  I also like that the multi position recline seats work independent of each other and that there is a viewing window in the canopy so you can keep an eye on your babies. However, whilst it is sold with a rain cover as standard, depending on the retailer you may have to buy other extras separately such as the undercarriage shopping basket, footmuff, fleece, and shade/ mosquito mesh. Another complaint is that the air-filled tyres can puncture easily, so it is worth also getting a repair kit!

Tako Duo-driver 2 in 1 Double Pram & Pushchair – from £400

suitable: from birth weight: 26 kg

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The Tako Duo-driver has got to be the king of all twin double pushchairs – especially if you are indeed expecting twins as this is a seriously sturdy bit of kit which will get you through any terrain from birth and beyond.  It is pricey – I have seen it on offer from as little as £400 but also as much as £750 – but as you can see from the image, the versatility if offers by being easily adapted from pram style to pushchair style and the added extras as standard which are often sold separately with other brands makes it pretty cost effective. The added extras are two snug  footmuffs, two carry cots with removable hoods and soft cotton lining, a mosquito net, a rain cover and large matching nappy bag.  Other great aspects are the built in safety and ventilation features, the huge undercarriage shopping bag, the adjustable handle height and position and the easy fold mechanism.  Plus I personally quite like the fun colour schemes – I have also seen it in grey/cream, olive green/ cream, and cream patterned versions.  The only downside is that it is rather hefty at 26 kg – but hey, that’s really going to help keep you fit so that you’re able to keep up with your little ones!