A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is an essential item for families with more than one child. You can navigate urban pathways or off-road trails with ease while keeping your children safe and happy.
When selecting a double stroller , there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. Check that it can fit into your car boot and doorway when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second child is a thrilling prospect, but there are a lot of practical issues to be considered. The addition of another child to the family will require redesigning living spaces, rethinking car seats, and of course, purchasing the latest double buggy.
There are many great alternatives available regardless of whether you're looking for twins or just need something a bit smaller. Our experts at the lab recommend iCandy Peach because it comes with a range of accessories that rival brands will charge extra for. It folds extremely neatly to make it easier to store in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is a breeze to manoeuvre. It may feel a little long when used in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies work well for keeping kids together but they are slightly larger than one stroller. This makes it difficult to move up and down kerbs. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm width is the tiniest available available. It's easy to get through doors and into public transport. It's compatible with a variety of car seats and will expand with your family - it can be used as a mono and tandem buggy when your children are ready to sit side-by-side.
Its height adjustable handle is ideal for steering and the suspension is able to make light work of slick surfaces. It's a great choice for older children, since it has a seat elevated stadium style to give them a better view of the action. It's not as light than other models, but it's still a great option.
You'll be pushing your double buggy frequently, so it's crucial to look for one that is comfortable to push. Look for a handle that's comfortable and well-shaped to fit your height, and an ample basket that has many compartments and pockets. If you're not using your buggy, you should consider taking a look at how it can be folded and put away.
Easy to maneuver
There are some incredible double buggies on the market that make traveling with two kids much more convenient. The iCandy Orange, for example, is a multi-purpose option that can accommodate twins or one toddler and one baby with both carrycots/seats facing in the direction of forward or reverse. It can also accommodate a third child with a piggyback' board (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light weight with swivel wheels and suspension make it easy to move in the city and over 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 usually put them away with the seats still in place. However, they need some more strength to push over kerbs and can be more challenging on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another great choice as it can take both seats/carrycots in tandem, but can also be used as a single buggy due to its clever frame that expands widthways. It also has an adjustable height handle, making it really simple to steer with just one hand.
If you plan to use public transportation a lot, consider whether you'll need a double buggy with large wheels since they tend to be more tolerant of rough or uneven surfaces. Additionally, take note of how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy as well as the width when folded to see if your boot will be able to accommodate it. If you reside in an area with narrow streets, you should consider a tandem double stroller where the child sits behind their partner, rather than in front of them. This will make it easier to maneuver through tight spaces.
Storage is plentiful and readily available
A double buggy isn't a necessity for every family but it can make outings easier for those with toddlers and newborns. Check out the side-by-side buggies if you want an easy-to-steer, lightweight model. They have a large storage basket beneath and a rear and side pockets to keep all the necessities for your baby. There are a variety of models with adjustable handles to suit parents of different heights. They also fold down neatly into a compact shape suitable to be used in small spaces or for tucking away in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, consider one of the all-terrain models. These tend to be twin and are more difficult to maneuver however, they're usually equipped with a reclined seat for newborns and older infants, and are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some of them allow you to convert the buggy into a jogger, making them ideal for running and exercise.
A lot of the top double buggies can be used with a variety of combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats. This makes them a great option for families with twins or children who are close in age, however, it's important to check the specifications of any model you're considering to make sure it's suitable for your needs.
There are two kinds of double buggys which are tandem and twin. In tandem, one seat is placed on top of the other. A twin buggy has one main advantage that your children can interact instead of fighting over who gets to sit in the front. However, twins are usually wider and can be difficult to navigate through doorways and supermarket aisles.
Tandem buggies tend to be a bit shorter however they're still more than single models. They are also less stable and may require dismantling in order to fit in your car boot. The majority of double buggies come with an recline for the seat independently, which is now an option that is standard. Make sure that the model can be adjusted by each child's seats to the position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for parents and children are the best. Be sure to look for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat is able to do and if the seats are independently adjustable so that you can adjust them as your children grow. Make sure you know the weight limit and whether they both have a hood or sun canopy to shield from wind and rain.
If you're looking for a flexible alternative to a double pushchair then consider a baby carrier. They can be used for toddlers who want to walk but need a ride on board and they are also ideal for infants and newborns. Some carriers can be used with a car seat for children, giving you more flexibility.
Some parents believe that a side-by-side double buggy is the best option. However there are a few innovative models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxurious in herringbone. It is the tiniest double buggy side by side available on the market.
The Wave from Mamas & Papas is another clever option that provides more configuration options than most other tandem buggies. It's a single-pushchair and then you can add a carrycot to the frame with adaptors. This gives you an array of seating options. It's easy to steer, has a great suspension, and Lab experts were impressed by the ease with which it is to fold. You just pull up on two straps (one under each seat) and the whole unit folds in just a few seconds.
A double buggy is an investment but you'll be able to use it for years and will also get an acceptable resale value. When comparing prices it's important to consider that purchasing a reputable model will let you purchase additional accessories and upgrades later. For instance, many of our top-rated double buggies come with an easy Changing Bag and Carrier included in the price. This is an essential item that will help you save time and hassle when you have to travel with your children.