Double buggy help please

[flagnogbagnog]

I'll be having DC4 in July, DS2 will be 23 months. I've reluctantly come to the conclusion that I'll need a double. DS2 is a law unto himself and keeping him in a buggy is really important for his safety if nothing else when we are near roads etc.

I'm hoping someone who has used a double/tandem will be able to recommend one which is suitable for both a newborn and a toddler.

My wish list would include the ability to have the option of seats 'parent facing' and also to be able to attach a newborn car seat. It would also be great if it could fold down reasonably small.

Does this pram exist? (can't afford a bugaboo donkey, even if we could DH would have a fit if I suggested we pay that kind of money!)

Hi there, the Obaby Zoom is a good one to try if you want the option of baby facing you. Not sure of price (I got mine second hand) but have a look at pramsupermarket.co.uk (I think) - they do good deals on tandems xx

Thank you for your reply, I will have a look now! X

How small is a small fold to you? I had an icandy pear, for a 16mo and newborn, twas perfect for me in everyway, and it all went in the boot of a 3dr peugeot 106 --on its own--

I think the reality is that its hard to get both children facing you successfully. You may be able to get one facing you but a lot of the time there are compromises usually for the toddler.

I dont tend to recommend the Zoom because two retailers (who I respected) kindly refused to sell me one because they had so many issues and the repair costs were high and there was such a limited warranty period.

I would suggest you look at the Britax B-Dual, The iCandy Pear (but look carefully at the configurations) and contemplate a side by side like the Baby Jogger City Mini, or the Easywalker Duo with a carrycot on for the baby to be parent facing. Have a look at Best Buggy for tons of information on double pushchairs, configurations, fold size etc. The B-Dual is certainly the best value for money new, but with a double its far far better to buy a better brand second hand one eg an Easywalker or Mountain Buggy or Baby Jogger than say a cheap umbrella fold. Most pushchair fabrics will wash in some shape or form and many barely get any use if used for siblings. So do trawl Ebay once you have more idea of what you want.
There are two cheaper side by sides that you can find on Ebay where the children can face you, the First Wheels City Twin and the Twins Freestyle Cool. Both however are wider than a standard doorway which may or may not be an issue.