A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is essential for families with more than one child. It allows you to navigate through urban areas and off-road trails without difficulty while making sure that your children are comfortable and happy.
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing a double buggy. Be sure that it will fit through the car boot and doorway when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to welcome home a second child, but there are many practical aspects to consider. The addition of a child to the family means redesigning living spaces, rethinking car seats and, of course, investing in a new double buggy.
Whether you're shopping for twins or need something a little more compact there are plenty of options available on the market. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach, which comes with a range of accessories that competitors cost extra for and is very compact and folds up to occupy a tiny space in your boot. It is simple to maneuver and moves well, as per the test subjects. However, it could seem a bit long if you're in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies work well for keeping children together however they can be slightly larger than a single stroller. This can make it difficult to move up and down kerbs. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm width is the slimmest on the market. It's easy to maneuver through doors and into public transportation. It's compatible with all kinds of car seats and will adapt to your growing family - it can be used as a mono and tandem buggy when your children are ready to sit side by side.
The suspension is great for rough surfaces, and the height-adjustable handle makes steering easy. It's a great option for older kids, as it comes with a seat that's elevated in a stadium style, giving them an improved view of the action. It's not as light as other models on this list but it's a great choice.
It is essential to choose a double buggy that's easy to push. Choose a handle that has padding and a grip shaped to your height. Also, a large basket with many compartments and pockets. When you're not using your buggy, you should consider checking how easily it can be folded and put away.
Easy to maneuver
There are some fantastic new double buggies available that allow you to travel with two kids much more enjoyable. For instance, the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can carry twins (or one toddler and a baby) with both car seats facing forward or backward, and even a third seat with a 'piggyback board' (sold separately). Its light, sleek frame with swivel wheels on the front and suspension make it easy to manoeuvre through town and on rougher terrain.
Other models with side-by-sides, like the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight and have a smaller footprint, making them easy to fit through doors and on public transport, and you can usually put them away with the seats still attached. They do require more effort to push over kerbs, and they can be tricky on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another great choice as it can take both seats/carrycots in tandem mode but can also be used as a single buggy due to its unique frame that can be expanded widthways, and an adjustable height handle, making it easy to steer with just one hand.
If you intend to use public transportation frequently it is advisable to consider a double-buggy that has large wheels. They are more for rough or uneven surfaces. Find out how easy it will be to fold and unfold, as well as the size of the buggy once folded to see if it will fit into your boot. If you reside in a small village or town with narrow roads, you should consider a tandem double buggy where the child is seated behind the other rather than next to them, as this will make it easier to navigate tight spaces.
A lot of storage
Double buggies aren't required for every family, but they can make outings easier for those with infants and toddlers. If you're looking to purchase a light model that's easy to steer look into the selection of side-by-side double buggies. They have a large storage basket underneath and a rear and side pockets to store all your baby's essentials. There are a variety of models that feature adjustable handles that can be adjusted to fit parents of different heights. They also fold up in a neat, compact form suitable for use in tight spaces or to store away in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, consider one of the all-terrain models. They're typically twins, and are more difficult to maneuver, but they often have a reclining seat that is perfect for toddlers and babies. They're an excellent choice for those who love the outdoors and active family members. Some models can be transformed into joggers, which makes them ideal for running or exercise.
Many of the top double buggies are designed to accommodate a variety of combinations of seats, carrycots, and car seats. This makes them an excellent option for families with twins or children who are similar in age, but it's worth looking over the specifications of any model you're considering to ensure that it will fit your requirements.
There are two types of double buggy which are tandem and twin. In tandem the seats are placed in front of the next. A twin buggy has one main advantage that children can be together instead of fighting over who gets to sit in front. However, twins tend to be wider and can be tricky to navigate through doorways and supermarket aisles.
Tandem buggies are usually a little shorter than single buggies, however they are nonetheless longer. They are also less stable and may require dismantling in order to fit in your car's boot. The majority of double buggies feature recline that is independent and recline, which is now an option that is standard. Make sure that the model allows you to adjust each child's seat to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for both parents and children are the best. Examine the padding of the straps and the amount of recline each seat can achieve. Also, make sure that the seats can be adjusted independently so you can adjust them to your child's growth. Be sure to check the weight limit, and if they both have a hood or sun canopy to protect from rain and wind.
Consider using a baby carrier as an alternative to a double stroller. They are ideal for toddlers who wish to walk but need an extra ride. They're also perfect for newborns and babies. Some carriers can be paired with a car seat for even more flexibility.
Many parents find a side-by-side double buggy to be the most convenient to navigate, however there are also some innovative models available, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone, which is amazingly slim and is the tiniest double buggy that is side-by-side on the market (it's the same width as a single stroller).
The Wave tandem buggies made by Mamas & Papas are another smart choice. They offer more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It starts as a mono-pushchair and you can add a carrycot or a second one to the frame using adaptors. This offers an array of seating options. It's easy to steer, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts really liked the ease of fold: You simply pull up on two straps (one under each seat) and the whole unit folds in just a few seconds.
The purchase of a double buggy is an investment however, you'll be able to use it for years and will also get a decent resale value. When looking at prices, it's important to remember that buying a name brand model can allow you to purchase additional accessories and upgrades later on. For example, some of our top-rated double buggies come with an easy Changing Bag and Carrier included in the price. This is an essential accessory that will help you save time and effort on the day you need to travel with your kids.