Buying a twin buggy can be tricky. As you look at the many different twin prams/buggies on offer, you will probably need answers to at least some of the frequently asked questions addressed by this article.
1. What is the difference between twin prams, twin strollers, twin buggies and twin pushchairs?
The names have come to mean different things than they used to, and different terms are used depending on where you are. Here in the UK, the terms "twin pram", twin buggy" or "twin pushchair" are used more-or-less interchangeably, but the term "twin stroller" is less common. A "pram" used to be a wheeled baby bed, but the term is now used to describe more upright transport too. "Twin" is used for both of the two main types of twin pushchair: side-by-side and tandem (one child behind the other).
2. Should I buy a tandem or side-by-side twin buggy?
Several models of both types of twin pram are sold, with some parents preferring one type and some the other. The side-by-side models allow your children to communicate and interact with each other, but are much wider and can therefore be harder to get in and out of shops. On the other hand the tandem prams are narrower and easier to handle but do not allow your children to socialise with one another.
3. Where can you buy twin prams?
There are basically three types of retailer where you can buy twin prams. You can go down the traditional route and visit a department store; you can visit a specialist baby store (if you are lucky enough to have one nearby); or, and this is increasingly common, you can visit a specialist on-line shop where a wealth of information is available at the click of a mouse.
4. Are there any twin prams that take car seats of any brand?
On the whole, each manufacturer makes car seats to fit their own prams, although there are some exceptions. If you want something that really is universal and will carry any car seat, you want to look for a car seat carrier. This is basically a frame that will accept any car seat. Twin universal car seat carriers are rare, but the "Snap-N-Go Double 1305TW" by Baby Trend is one example.
5. Can a twin buggy be fitted with a buggy board at the back for a toddler to stand on?
Yes, some buggy boards fit some twin buggies. You need to be careful because compatibility is not universal. A combination that works is a "Cheeky Rascals" buggy board fitted to Graco twin prams.
6. Many twin prams have seat covers that don't come off. How can I clean them?
The best option is to fit a set of detachable seat covers, but if you cannot do this, first of all brush off any debris and major dirt, then dampen a cloth with mild soap and water and just wipe down until the seats are clean. Don't soak the seats and don't use any detergent that could act as an irritant.
7. Does anyone make a twin buggy that's suitable for jogging with?
Yes, there are several models of jogging stroller that are twin models, produced by manufacturers such as Schwinn and InStep. You will get quite a workout jogging with twins!
8. With some buggies, you can reverse the seats so your child is facing you. Can you do this with a twin pushchair?
Yes, you can buy twin prams where the seat configuration is totally flexible and you can have one or both children facing you. These models tend to be towards the higher end of the market and are therefore not the cheapest.
9. Can you buy a twin buggy that separates into two singles?
The best approach is actually to get two singles and buy a set of pushchair connectors. In the UK, "Prince Lionheart" is one brand of connector. Remember that two connected single pushchairs are wider than a twin "side-by-side" pushchair.
10. Can twin prams be gate-checked at the airport?
This is a difficult question to answer definitively because each airline has different rules and they keep changing. A friend of mine who worked as cabin crew for many years said that his airline allowed twin prams to be checked at the gate, but the best bet is to contact the airline before you book.
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