This is a review of Britax B-Dual Second Seat Unit that fits on to the B-Dual pram to enable you to use it as a 'double decker' with two children inside. I have already reviewed the pram and the chassis and the seat that comes with this pram (and was happy to receive a crown for it!) so this review focuses on the second seat.

First impressions
I am not a big fan of prams for two as they seem so hefty or unsuitable. At first I didn't really want the style where the children sit one above another as I always think it's horrible for the one bumping along on the ground but when you need to get around with two children you have to face your fears with these things!

To clarify
The second seat is the one that we put our newborn in. It sits underneath the main seat which is slightly bigger. We also have the carrycot (another extra) that you can use on the pram for a newborn.

Fitting
Once you have erected the Chassis, the next step is to fit the second seat (second seat first, that makes sense hey?!). The seat slots in quite easily when you know where you are aiming for. To remove it you have to remember to click in a button on one side and hold in an opposing button whilst you yank the seat out. Not a move to be performed whilst holding anything else or trying to get on the bus. It's just not an option. Fitting the top seat, which is slightly larger, is a lot easier as it just slides in to two holding places on seat two and clicks in place. Don't forget to insert the baby in the bottom seat first before adding the top seat as it's a lot easier for access.

In use
Once the second seat is in place you lose a lot of your storage space on this pram. When they are tiny it is OK as you can stash your bag(s) at the end where their feet are. Once their legs get bigger this will be impossible. There is a zip compartment at the front and side that allows you to access your bags from the front of the pram so you don't need to disturb your child if they fall asleep.

Pushing the pram with two children in situ is surprisingly easy. Once you get going it literally floats along the pavement with good suspension. Getting up and down kerbs is not so easy as there is no kick bar, you have to push down hard on the handle to lift the pram up and I worry that there may be too much strain on the handle when doing this with a full pram.

The wheels at the front of the pram are slightly smaller than the back wheels making it a bit triangular shaped and I have found myself getting wedged in doorways with the rear wheels which are just that bit too wide I think. The wheels are removable though and easy to take off which helps when cramming all the parts in the car boot.

My thoughts
This does provide a solution to the conundrum of taking two young children out of the house. Because the second seat is smaller, it will only last a certain amount of time. Our two year old's legs are far too long for the second seat so it is limited if you were using it for children the same age. Whilst the seat is collapsible so you can lay the baby flat which is better for their back, they are so close to the floor I do worry about how bumpy the ride is for them, especially when bumping up and down kerbs.

Extra bits
The rain cover we have to fit the pram is extra to buy but you do get a hood which covers the head area. This also has a handy zip feature which you can unzip to view your baby through a net which is nice as they are facing away from you. Most of the parts on the pram and seat can be removed and washed otherwise they can be sponged down to keep clean.

Price
The seats can be purchased for around £99, which sounds a lot but there is a resale value on the pram and parts.

Final word
We wouldn't have this pram if it wasn't for the second seat option but I have been really impressed with the way it handles in general. Specifically, the seat is versatile and adjustable for newborns and is a great help if you have two young children or twins! I don't like the fact that it doesn't come as a complete kit to start with but this is quite normal for prams and 'add ons' so they are only doing the same as others with their pricing system for accessories. All in all I can recommend the seat as an essential piece of kit to make the Britax B-Dual functional for two children.