Making the headlines this month is the shocking high cost of the Bugaloo Donkey double buggy. It may be the most expensive stroller available, but those expecting twins and wanting a 3 in 1 travel system will need deep pockets.
A complete travel system for twins will consist of:
- infant car seats suitable from birth
- a lay flat carry cot or chair, suitable from birth
- a seat for older children above six months who are able to sit up
- a chassis for all of the above to attach
The systems are generally modular; the car seats are a separate additional purchase. It may be necessary or desirable to buy a carry cot and a seat for the pushchair.
Tandem Double Travel Systems
There is a great choice of travel systems for singleton babies but, until very recently, very little choice for those expecting twins or triplets. The only options were tandem travel system strollers, where children sit one behind the other.
Twin Two and the Powertwin Pro are two double pushchairs which can take two car seats, which are available in the UK from Spanish company, Jane. Both have seats suitable from birth, further details here. The Twin Two will cost between £700 and £900 including car seats. The Powertwin will cost around £500 excluding car seats.
City Select from Baby Jogger requires a second seat kit to convert the single to a double, and the price is about $650. The seats are not suitable from birth but can be converted with the bassinet kit for $100 each. The car seat adapter is $70 and a number of different leading brand car seats can be used. It can be used as a single.
The iCandy twin buggies are associated with a high price tag. They are not sold online in the UK but are reputed to have a similar price tag to the new Bugaloo twin. In the US the Pear with two bassinets but without other accessories will cost $830. There are two models:
- the iCandy Pear, with is the twin version of the Apple
- the iCandy Peach Blossom, twin version of the Peach
Both can be used as single buggies.
Similar to the Baby Jogger, the iCandy is totally modular. There are seats, bassinet adapters and car seats can be attached.
Peg Perego Duette SW is a tandem stroller. Both seats lay flat. It costs around $800.
Cheapest Twin Travel System for Tight Budgets
The Graco Quattro Tour Duo City is the only low cost option, at just over £220. It is a heavy, simple tandem model, with users reporting it is good value for the money. The rear seat of the pushchair is only suitable from six months old, but small babies should not be left in car seats for hours on end; they should lay flat.
As new born infants should spend minimal time in a car seat, the Graco option is for brief journeys and not for use as the main pram for hours of walking with the new twins.
Side-By-Side Double Travel Systems
The first of its type was the EasyWalker Duo launched in 2009. The seats lay flat and can face in either direction, so babies can face their parents and toddlers can face direction of travel. Width is an issue for side-by-side strollers; this is 76cm or 29.8".
The Bugaboo Donkey hit the market in 2011 to great press coverage because of its price tag. The twin is $1,600 in the US. This includes two bassinettes and seats but does not include a car seat adapter or car seats. It is 75cm wide.
How Much Should a Twin Travel System Cost?
This article lists most of the double stroller travel systems available today. The lowest price tag for new excluding car seats is a little over £200, but a number of models will cost around £1,000 without even buying the car seats.
You can expect a better product for more money, one that is eye-catching, light weight, easy to push, and has great suspension. Whether some strollers deliver a better experience for the user in proportion to the high price is questionable. Parents must assess how the buggy will be used by their family.
Deborah Percy - BSc. MA. Managing Director of a heating & plumbing business. Interest in maths, science & research. Mother of 3, including twins.
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