A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is an essential item for families with two children. It is possible to navigate urban roads or off-road trails easily while keeping your children comfortable and happy.
There are a variety of factors to think about when choosing a double buggy. Make sure it fits into your car boot and your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to bring another child into the family but there are a number of practical aspects to consider. The addition of a second child to the family will require redesigning living spaces, rethinking vehicle seats, and investing in the double buggy.
Whether you're shopping for twins or require something smaller there are plenty of great options on the market. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach, which comes with a set of accessories that competitors cost extra for. It folds very neatly into place to occupy a tiny space in your boot. Testers find it rolls well and is easy to move. It can feel a bit long when used in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are ideal for keeping kids together however they can be somewhat larger than a single stroller. This makes it difficult to move between kerbs. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the tiniest side-by-side on market, and at just 63cm wide, it's the same width as the single pushchair. This allows it to be easily pushed through doors and on public transport. It is compatible with many car seats, and can grow with your family. It can be used as mono or tandem buggy once your children are old enough to be seated together.
The suspension is ideal for rough terrain, and its adjustable height makes steering a breeze. It's an excellent choice for older kids, as it comes with a seat that's elevated to give them an improved view of the action. It's not quite as light as other models, but it's still an excellent choice.
It's important that you choose the right double buggy that is easy to push. Choose a handle that is comfortable and well-shaped to fit your height, and an ample basket that has 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 fantastic new double buggies available that make getting out and about with two kids much more enjoyable. For instance, the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can be used to carry twins (or one toddler and a baby) with both seats/carrycots facing either backward or forward and even a third seat using piggyback boards (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light frame with swivel wheels and suspension make it easy to move in the city and over rougher terrain.
Other side-by-side models such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight and have a smaller footprint so they're easily able to be inserted into doors and on public transport, and you can usually store them with seats still in place. They require more effort to push them over kerbs and can be difficult to maneuver on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another excellent option as it can accommodate both carrycots and seats in tandem, but can also be used as a single stroller thanks to its clever frame that expands widthways and an adjustable height handle, making it really simple to steer with just one hand.
If you plan to use public transport a lot, consider whether you'll require a double buggy with big wheels as these tend to cope better with uneven or rough surfaces. Similarly, check how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy, as well as how wide it is when folded to determine whether your car is capable of accommodating it. If you live in a small town or village and have narrow pavements, opt for a double buggy that has the child is seated behind the other instead of directly in front of them, since this will make it easier to navigate narrow spaces.
Storage is available in abundance
A double buggy isn't essential for every family but it can make outings more manageable for those with toddlers and newborns. Take a look at the side-by-side buggies if you want an easy-to-drive, lightweight model. They come with a large basket under and a rear and side pockets to store all the necessities for your baby. There are a variety of models that feature adjustable handles that can be adjusted to fit parents of different heights and fold down neatly into a compact shape ideal for tight spaces or to stow away in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, try one of the all-terrain models. They are typically twins and more difficult to maneuver, but often come with a reclining seat that is perfect for toddlers and infants. They are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active family members. Some models can be converted into joggers, making them perfect for running or exercising.
Many of the top double buggies are able 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 specs of any model you're considering to make sure it's a good fit for your needs.
There are two types of double buggys that are tandem and twin. In tandem, one seat is placed behind the other. A twin buggy has one main advantage that your children can play together, rather than fighting over who gets to sit in the front. However, twin buggy are usually wider and can be tricky to navigate through supermarket entrances and aisles.
Tandem buggies are usually smaller than single buggies, but are nonetheless longer. They're also less stable when bouncing up kerbs and might require dismantling in order to fit into the car boot. The majority of double buggies come with an recline that is independent that is nowadays an option that is standard. Make sure your chosen model allows you to adjust the child's seat to a position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
A quality double buggy will provide both parents and children plenty of comfort. Check the padding of the straps and the amount of recline each seat can attain. Also, check if the seats can be adjusted independently so you can adapt to your child's needs. Check the weight limit and whether they both have a hood or sun canopy to protect from wind and rain.
If you're looking for a versatile alternative to a double pushchair then think about a baby carrier. They can be used by toddlers who are looking to walk but require a ride on board and they are also ideal for infants and newborns. Some carriers can also be used in conjunction with a car seat for children to give you more flexibility.
Some parents feel that a side-by-side double buggy is the
best Double Buggy option. However there are a few innovative models to choose from, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone. It is the lightest double buggy side by side on the market.
The Wave from Mamas & Papas is another smart choice that gives you more configuration options than most other tandem buggies. It is a mono-pushchair, and you can then add a carrycot to the frame using adaptors. This gives you a variety of seating options. It's smooth to steer, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts really liked how easy it was to fold. All you have to do is pull up on two straps (one under each seat) and the entire unit folds in a matter of minutes.
A double buggy is an investment, but you'll be able keep it for a long time and also enjoy a decent resale value. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it is
best double strollers to purchase an established brand as this will help you to secure extra accessories and upgrades in the future. For example, some of our top-rated double buggies come with a handy Changing Bag and Carrier included in the price.