Buyer's Guide to Double Pushchairs

Mountain Buggy Terrain Double

Seating arrangements
There are two ways in which double buggies are configured.
The conventional seating has two single-sized seats next to each other. This is preferable for many children as they can see where they are going. However, models like this can prove very wide when in use, and can be awkward to get through doors. Bear in mind: do you need to use a small lift to get in and out of your home, or a narrow hallway?
The other option is to have one baby or child ride behind the other. There are many models which give this configuration a sporty look - like a cross between a buggy and a toboggan! The up-side of this kind of style is it's usually much more narrow, but it will be longer, which can also present problems when turning in narrow areas, or fitting into spaces on public transport.

With some of these buggies, the reclined position for the baby is placed at the back. Before buying, have a good look at where the baby lies when the seat is fully laid back because in some models, the baby looks extremely close to the ground!
The other thing to bear in mind with a 'one behind the other' style is: will your child enjoy being in the back? Babies and some children won't be bothered by this, but others may squabble over who gets the front seat.

Phil & Ted's e3

Twins, babies and toddlers
Before you buy a twin buggy or pram, think about who it's for.
Are you expecting twins? In which case, you may prefer to have a double pushchair where the babies are side by side rather one behind the other. Or, you may want to stick to a simple single travel system for the early months and use a baby carrier for one of your children at a time. The main benefits of this is that you are not hulking around a double buggy too soon after the birth, while you are still recovering. Plus you can more easily find a model where your baby can face you.

If you are buying for twin babies, almost all double buggies now have fully reclining positions and are suitable from birth, so at least it's not vital that you buy another buggy six months down the line (because all of these models will have seats strong enough and big enough for toddlers).
Are you buying a twin because you have a baby and a toddler? If so, is your older child likely to be out of a pushchair soon? If so, you might not want to buy a twin buggy that only gets used by one child most of the time. If this is the case, check out the 'alternatives to a double', below.
If you are buying a twin buggy for two bigger siblings, think about whether they are the kind of children who will have a tantrum if you put one of them in the back and one in the front! If this is the case, you might have to settle for a side-by-side model.
Mountain Buggy are one of the makers of a range of funky double buggies (usually £300 to £550), who include the Terrain Double, which weighs 14kg, is a side-by-side model, and allows you to have one side as a pram whilst the other is a seat for an older child.

Mamas & Papas Aria Twin Advance

How wide is too wide?
On the forums recently, we had a mother who had bought a double buggy but it just did not fit through her front gate. Check the width of your doors and hallway (plus any access routes you regularly use) before buying a particular model, and be aware that the dimensions may only be given in 'when folded' mode, which isn't much use to you when you've got your shopping and two sleeping children to deal with!
The front and back models obviously have an advantage here. For example, the Graco Stadium Duo is only 57cm wide, compared to their Duo Sport, which is 76cm wide because its seats are side-by-side.
The Phil&Teds e3 model can be used as a single, a double with baby or a double with toddler, and is 62cm wide because one child sits behind the other.
The average width for a side-by-side model tends to be 73 to 76 cm.

Getting heavy
The other issue of bulk with a double buggy, is that it usually means you've got a heavier pushchair to carry around with you when folded. That's no fun if you're still recovering from having a double birth!
As with other pushchairs and prams, you can shave the weight off but this usually comes with a higher price tag.
You'll rarely to find a double buggy that weights less than 11kg, which makes the Mamas & Papas Aria Twin Advance an amazing model weighing just 7.4kg! (However, expect to pay about £190 more for this.) The other M&P model, the mamu mu4 is 11kg, is 75cm wide but comes in as a cheaper option.

The price tag
You can expect to pay over £110 for even the most simple double buggy. (Obviously if you shop around online you can usually pick up a bargain.) This is because there is pretty much twice the buggy to buy. For solid travel system styles with real flexibility for different-sized children, you can expect to pay up to about £550.
Some mainstream pushchair brands don't bother with twin models, but Maclaren do quite a few options and perform well on price, usually between £120 and £180. Their Twin Triumph, due out in January 2007, weighs 11.1kg and is 74cm wide, which is fairly average. But it's a pretty nifty and classy looking model that's worth checking out.
Graco also compare well in price.

Maclaren Twin Techno

Alternatives to buying a double
If you don't think you will need a double buggy for very long, it's worth seeing if the alternatives are good for you.
One of the newest ideas on the block, is the Buggypod which is a second seat that clicks easily on and off a single pushchair. The rrp is about £75 and you can get a sunshade or rain cover to fit over it.
You can also get a stepboard fixed to the back of your pram or pushchair. There are various models, like the Lascal BuggyBoard, which mean your older child can stand on their own little platform on the back of the pushchair. The rrp is around £50 for one of these. They are handy, but there are a couple of drawbacks: make sure the handlebar of your puschair isn't going to bump into your child's face if you child is quite short, and be aware that the presence of the step means you have to push the buggy from a slightly awkward angle which can play havoc with your back.
Sometimes you can clip two single buggies together, but this can be cumbersome.