102 | April 2020 |motherandbaby.co.ukWORDS
HEIDI
SCRIMGEOUR 30,HannahfromKnaresborough,Dutton
is mumto Isabelle,eight
weeks, andToby,three
‘I’d like a pushchairthat’s
easy to manoeuvre,but
still really comfy.’GinaMartin
36,fromBath, is mum
toIsla, 10 weeks,
andSiena, two
‘I’m looking for a double
buggy that I can easily take
on the bus and into shops.’Michelle
Poulton
38,fromBristol, ismum
toGeorge, 16 months,
and Fred, three
‘I need a robust, buggy
that’s light and easyto fold.’Thismonth’s testersGetting out and about with not one but two little
ones can seem daunting, but don’t fret – the right
set of wheels can make it easy. The most
important thing to consider is the age gap
between your children. With twins, you’ll want a
double pushchair built to carry two children of a
similar weight from birth. If you have a
preschooler and a newborn, you might want a
more versatile buggy with a seat suitable for an
older child and a second seat unit or carrycot
attachment for the baby.Do you need a double pushchair?
Yes, if you’re expecting twins, or if you’re
pregnant again and have an older child who’s
still going to be using the pushchair by the time
the new baby arrives. If this is your first baby and
you hope to be pregnant again within the next
couple of years, it’s worth considering a single
pushchair that can convert to a double later on.Which type should you choose?
A twin buggy is a double pushchair with two
seats positioned side-by-side. It’s ideal for twins
or for children who are close together in age,
as the seats are permanent fixtures on the
frame. A tandem pushchair is a double buggy
with two seats positioned one behind the other.
These are much narrower than twin buggies –
usually no wider than a standard singlepushchair – and much easier to manoeuvre
through narrow shop doorways, although their
extra length can prove tricky. Convertible 1-2
pushchairs mean you’re not left with an extra
seat if your older child outgrows it.Where will you use it?
If you live in a built-up environment, choosea
pushchair with front wheels that swivel, so it’s
easy to control over shiny shop floors and uneven
pavements. If you’re outdoorsy or live in the
country, choose a double pushchair with robust
wheels that are easy to manouevre off-road.Do you drive?
If so, go for a lightweight double pushchair that
you can lift in and out of your boot without
pulling a muscle. Make sure it folds compactlyto
leave space in your boot for shopping or luggage.
If you regularly use the bus or train, choose a
pushchair you can fold easily, and which won’t
take up too much space.Where will you store it?
Think about where you’ll keep your pushchair
when it’s not in use. Ideally, it should fit through
your doorway without having to fold it. If you’re
short on space, pick one that folds away neatly,
with a lock to stop it from springing open and
bashing you on the knees when you walk by.Twice-as-nice buggies that are built for two!DOUBLEPUSHCHAIRSSHOPPING
BASKET
The basket should have
space for everything you
need when you’re out, including
the rain cover and your change
bag – with enough for two babies
in it – plus some groceries. Check
that it’s easy to access, even
when the pushchair seat is
fully reclined.HANDLES
A pushchair with a
height-adjustable
handlebar will be a
comfortable ‘fit’ for you and
your partner – essential if you’re
unevenly matched in stature!
If it doesn’t adjust, check it’s
correctly proportioned
for your height.