A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is essential for families with two children. You can navigate urban pathways or off-road trails easily while keeping your children safe and happy.
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing a double buggy. Firstly, check that it will fit through your door and into your car boot when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to bring the second child home however, there are a lot of practical considerations. The addition of a new child to the family can mean changing the layout of living spaces, thinking about car seats, and investing in a double buggy.
There are many great options to choose from, whether you're looking for twins or want something narrow. Our lab experts like the iCandy Peach, which comes with a range of accessories that rival brands cost extra for. It folds very neatly into place to occupy a tiny space in your boot. It's easy to move and it rolls well, according to the test subjects. However, it may be a bit long when you're in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are great for keeping your children together but they are typically larger than a single buggy, which can make them difficult to navigate up and down kerbs. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the slimmest side-by-side on the market though and, at just 63cm wide it's the same size as a single pushchair. This allows it to be easily pushed through doors and public transport. It is compatible with many car seats and can grow with your family. You can use it as mono or tandem buggy after your children are old enough to sit together.
The suspension is excellent for rough terrain, and its adjustable height makes steering a breeze. It's a great choice for older kids, as it has a seat elevated stadium style to give them an improved view of the action. It's not as lightweight as other models, but it's still a great option.
You'll be pushing your double buggy frequently, so it's important to select one that is easy to push. Choose a handle that is comfortable and well-shaped to fit your height, as well as a large basket with plenty of compartments and pockets. It's also worth looking into how it's easy to fold and store your buggy when you're not using it.
Easy to maneuver
There are some amazing double buggies on the market that make getting out and about with two kids much easier. The iCandy Orange, for example, is a multi-purpose option that can fit twins or one baby and a toddler with both car seats facing forward or backwards. It can also accommodate a third kid using piggyback' boards (sold separately). Its slim, sleek frame, swivel front wheels and suspension ensure it's easy to maneuver through town and on rough terrain.
Other models with side-by-sides, like the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight and have a small footprint, making them easy to slide through doors and on public transport, and you can often put them away with the seats still attached. They require more effort to push over kerbs, and they can be tricky on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be utilized in tandem mode with both seats/carrycots and can be used to push a single buggy. double buggy travel system expands widthways.
If you plan to use public transport frequently, think about whether you're going to need a double buggy with big wheels since they tend to be more tolerant of uneven or rough surfaces. Also, consider the ease with which you can fold and unfold the buggy, as well as how wide it is when folded to see whether your vehicle is able to accommodate it. If you reside in an area with narrow streets, consider a tandem double stroller where the child is placed behind their partner, rather than beside them. This will make it easier to maneuver through narrow spaces.
A lot of storage
Double buggies aren't required for every family, but they can make life easier for families with infants and toddlers. Look into the side-byside buggies for a lightweight, easy-to-steer model. They provide plenty of space under in the form of a spacious basket and additional rear and side pockets to store everything your baby needs. You'll also find many models with adjustable handles that are suited to parents of different heights and fold neatly into a compact shape that is suitable to be used in tight spaces or to store away in the boot.
All-terrain double buggys are a good option if you're looking for a more robust model. They are typically twins, and are more difficult to maneuver, however they usually come with a reclined seat that is perfect for babies and toddlers. They're an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active family members. Some even permit you to transform the buggy into jogger, making them ideal for running and exercising.
Many of the best double buggies are able to accommodate various combinations of carrycots, car seats and seats. They are an excellent choice for families with twins, or siblings with similar ages. But, it's important to check the specifications of the model you're interested in.
There are two primary types of double buggy - twin, where your children sit together, or tandem, where one seat is placed in front of the other. The main advantage of twin buggy is that your children will be able to interact, rather than having to take turns or fight over who has the top place. However, twin buggy tend to be wider and may be difficult to navigate through the supermarket's doorways and aisles.
Tandem buggies tend to be smaller, but they're still longer than single models. They're also less stable when bouncing up kerbs, and may require dismantling in order to fit into your car boot. Recline-based seats are now a fairly standard feature on a lot of double buggies, so ensure that your model will let you adjust each child's seat to the position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for both parents and children are the best. Examine the padding on the straps and the amount of recline that each seat can attain. Also, verify if the seats can be adjusted separately so you can adapt to your child's needs. Check the weight limit and if each has a hood, or sun canopy to shield from wind and rain.
If you're looking for an adaptable alternative to a double pushchair, consider a baby carrier. They can be used by toddlers who want to walk but need an adult ride. they're also great for infants and newborns. Some carriers can also be used in conjunction with a car seat for children to give you even more flexibility.
Many parents consider a side-by-side double buggy to be the most convenient to navigate, but there are some unique models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone which is extremely thin and is the lightest double buggy with a side-by-side layout on the market (it's the same width as a single stroller).
The Wave tandem buggies from Mamas & Papas are another excellent choice. They provide more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's initially a mono pushchair and then you can add a second seat or carrycot (and sometimes a third) to the frame by using adaptors, allowing you to have a wide range of seating arrangements. It is easy to steer, has a great suspension and Lab experts were impressed by how easy it was fold. You just pull up on the two straps (one under each seat) and then you can fold the whole thing in seconds.
Double buggys are a good investment that will last for years. They also offer a reasonable resales price. When looking at prices, it's important to remember that buying a brand name model will let you acquire additional accessories and upgrades later on. For instance, many of our top-rated double buggies come with a handy changing Bag and Carrier included in the price. This is a must-have accessory that will save you time and hassle on the day you need to travel with your children.