A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is essential for families with two children. It will enable you to navigate through urban areas and off-road trails with ease while making sure that your children are comfortable and happy.
When you are choosing a double stroller, there are a lot of factors to consider. Make sure it fits through your car boot and doorway when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second baby is an exciting possibility, but there are plenty of practical aspects to consider. The addition of a child to the family means redesigning living spaces, rethinking car seats and, of course, purchasing a new double buggy.
There are a variety of options to choose from regardless of whether you're looking for twins or want something narrow. Our experts from the lab recommend the iCandy Peach because it comes with a variety of accessories that other brands will charge additional fees for. It also folds very neatly to take up less space in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is a breeze to manoeuvre. It can feel a bit long when used in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are great for keeping your children together however they are generally larger than a single buggy which can make them difficult to navigate up and down kerbs. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm width, is the slimmest available. It's easy to maneuver through doors and onto public transport. It's compatible with a range of car seats and will expand with your family and can be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are ready to sit side by side.
The suspension is great for rough surfaces, and the adjustable height handle makes steering simple. It's a great option for older children, since it has a seat elevated in a stadium style, giving them an improved view of the action. It's not as light as other models, but it's still an excellent choice.
It's important that you choose a double buggy that is easy to push. Find a handle with a cushioned grip that is designed to fit your height. Also, look for a large basket that has plenty of pockets and compartments. It's also worth assessing how it's simple to fold and store your buggy when you're not using it.
Easy to manoeuvre
There are some incredible new double buggies available that make going out and about with two children much easier. For example the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can be used to carry twins (or one toddler and a baby) with both car seats facing forward or backward, and even a third seat using a 'piggyback board' (sold separately). Its slim, sleek frame, swivel front wheels and suspension makes it easy to maneuver through the city and over rough terrain.
Other models that are side-by-side, such as 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 store them with seats still in place. However, they need some muscle to push over kerbs and can be trickier on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be used in tandem mode using both car seats and seat however, it can also be used to push one buggy. The clever frame expands widthways.
If you intend to use public transport frequently, you may want to consider a double buggy that has big wheels. These are better designed for rough or uneven surfaces. Find out the ease to fold and unfold the buggy, as well as the size of the buggy folded to determine if it's going to fit in your car. If you reside in an area with narrow streets, you should consider a tandem double stroller in which the child is placed behind their partner instead of in front of them. This will make it easier to maneuver through narrow spaces.
Plenty of storage
Double buggies aren't necessary for every family, but they do make life easier for families with toddlers and infants. If you're looking for a lightweight model that's easy to steer look into the selection of double buggies that are side-by-side. They offer plenty of space under in the form of a deep basket and additional rear and side pockets for all the baby necessities. A lot of models come with handles that can be adjusted to suit parents of different heights. They also fold neatly to a compact size, making them ideal to use in tight areas or in the boot.
All-terrain double strollers are a great option if you're looking for a stronger model. These are typically twins and are more difficult to manoeuvre however, they're usually equipped with a reclined seat for newborns and older babies, and are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some models can be converted into joggers, which makes them ideal for running or exercising.
Many of the best double buggies are able to accommodate a wide range of combinations of seats, carrycots and car seats. They are an excellent choice for families with twins or siblings of similar ages. However, it is crucial to look up the specifications of any model that you're considering.
There are two types of double buggy which are tandem and twin. In tandem the seat is placed behind the other. A twin buggy has one main advantage that children can interact instead of fighting over who gets to sit in the front. Twin buggys are often wider and can be more difficult to navigate through aisles and doorways at the grocery store.
Tandem buggies tend to be slightly shorter however, they're still longer than single models. They're also less stable when going up kerbs and may need dismantling to fit in your car's boot. The majority of double buggies come with an recline for the seat independently, which is nowadays an option that is standard. Make sure your chosen model has the ability to adjust each child's seats to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
A good double buggy should give both parents and children plenty of comfort. Check for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat is able to do and if the seats are independently adjustable to allow you to adjust to your child's needs as they develop. Be sure to check the weight limit and whether they both have a hood or sun canopy to shield from rain and wind.
If you're looking for a versatile alternative to a double pushchair then consider a baby carrier. They are suitable for toddlers who want to walk but need a ride on board and they are also ideal for newborns and infants. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with the car seat for greater flexibility.
Some parents find that a side by side double buggy is the most convenient option. However, there are some innovative models to choose from, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone. It is the tiniest
double buggy side by side on the market.
The Wave from Mamas & Papas is another clever choice that offers more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's a single-
pushchair twin, and you can then add a carrycot to the frame with adaptors. This offers the option of a variety of seating options. It is easy to control, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts were amazed by how simple it was to fold. Simply pull up on the two straps (one underneath each seat) and then you can fold the entire thing in a matter of just a few seconds.
A double buggy is an investment but you'll be able to make use of it for many years and also have an excellent resale price. When comparing prices it's important to consider that purchasing a reputable model will allow you to get extra accessories and upgrades later. For instance, a few of our top-rated double buggies come with an easy Changing Bag and Carrier included in the cost. This is an essential accessory that will save you time, hassle and money when you travel with your baby.