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 easily while keeping your children comfortable and happy.
When you are choosing a double stroller, there are numerous factors to consider. Check that it can fit into your car boot and your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
The prospect of bringing a second child home is an exciting possibility, but there are also lots of practical considerations. Adding another child to the family can mean changing the layout of living spaces, thinking about car seats and, of course, buying a brand new double buggy.
There are plenty of great options available regardless of whether you're looking for twins or just want something that is narrow. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach, which comes with a set of accessories that competitors charge extra for and is very compact and folds up to occupy a tiny space in your boot. It is easy to move and it rolls well, according to users. However, it can feel a little long when you're using it in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are ideal to keep children in a single space, but they can be a bit wider than the single stroller. This makes it difficult to maneuver between kerbs. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the slimmest side-by-side available on the market though and, at 63cm, it's the same width as one pushchair. It is easy to get through doors and onto public transport. It's compatible with many car seats and can expand with your family. You can use it as a mono or tandem buggy when 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 ideal for older children because the seat is elevated stadium style. This provides them with a better view of the action. It's not as lightweight as other models, however it's still a great choice.
You'll be pushing your double buggy frequently, so it's important to look for an item that is at ease to push. Find a handle with a cushioned grip that is made to fit your height. Also, look for a large basket that has plenty of compartments and pockets. When you're not using your buggy, it's worth considering how easily it folds and can be stored.
Easy to maneuver
There are some amazing new double buggies out there that allow you to travel with two kids much easier. The iCandy Orange, for example, is a multi-purpose option that can be used to accommodate twins or one baby and a toddler with both carrycots/seats facing forward or backwards. It can also accommodate a third kid using piggyback's board (sold separately). Its light, sleek frame, swivel front wheels and suspension make it easy to maneuver through town and on rough terrain.
Other models that are side-by-side, such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also extremely light and have a compact footprint so they're easy to slide through doors and on public transport and you can often put them away with the seats still attached. However, they require 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 accommodate both carrycots and seats in tandem mode, but it can also be used as a single buggy thanks to its unique frame that expands widthways and a height-adjustable handle which makes it simple to steer with just one hand.
If you intend to travel by public transport often, think about whether you'll require a double buggy that has big wheels, as they are able to cope better with uneven or rough surfaces. Consider how easy it is to fold and unfold, as well as the width of the buggy when folded, to see if it will fit into your boot. If you reside in an area with narrow streets, consider a tandem double stroller in which the child sits behind their partner, instead of behind them. This will make it easier to maneuver in narrow spaces.
Plenty of storage
A double buggy isn't a necessity for all families but it can make outings more manageable for those with toddlers or newborns. Check out the side-by-side buggies if you want a lightweight, easy-to-steer model. They come with a large basket beneath and side and rear 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 and fold down in a neat, compact form ideal to be used in tight spaces or to stow away in the boot.
If you want a more robust double buggy, consider one of the all-terrain options. They are typically twins, and are more difficult to maneuver, but they often come with a reclining seat that is great for toddlers and infants. They're an excellent choice for active family members. Some models can be converted into joggers, making them perfect for running or exercising.
A majority of the top double buggies can be used with many different combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats. They are an excellent choice for families with twins, or siblings with similar age. But, it's crucial to look up the specifications of any model that you are interested in.
There are two primary types of double buggy: twin that is where your children sit side-by-side, and tandem, where one seat is placed in front of the other. The primary benefit of twin buggy is that your children can interact, rather than having to take turns or fight over who has the top place. Twin buggy can be larger and more difficult to navigate through aisles and doorways in the supermarket.
Tandem buggies are generally a bit shorter, but they're still longer than single models. They're also less stable and may require dismantling in order to fit into your car's boot. Reclining the seat independently is now a fairly standard feature on a lot of double buggies, so do ensure 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 on the straps as well as the amount of recline each seat is able to achieve. Also, make sure that the seats can be adjusted separately so you can adjust to your child's needs. Be sure to check the weight limits and if they come with a sun canopy or a hood to protect the seats from rain and wind.
Consider the use of a baby carrier to replace a double stroller. They are suitable for toddlers who want to walk but need to ride in a car, and they are also ideal for infants and newborns. Some carriers can also be used with a car seat for children, giving you even more flexibility.
Many parents consider a side-by-side double buggy the most comfortable to navigate, however there are some truly innovative models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone which is amazingly thin and is the lightest double buggy with a side-by-side layout available (it's the same size as a single stroller).
The Wave tandem buggies from Mamas & Papas are another smart choice. They come with more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It starts out as a single pushchair, but you can add an additional seat or carrycot (and sometimes a third) to the frame with adaptors, giving you the option of a variety of seating options. www.pushchairsandprams.uk to steer, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts loved the ease of fold. You just pull the straps up (one under each seat) and the entire unit folds in a matter of minutes.
Double buggys are a good investment that will last for years. They also have a good resale price. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it's best to purchase an item from a reputable brand, as it will help you to secure more accessories and upgrades in the future. Some of our best-rated double buggies come with a useful Changing Bag and Carrier at a reasonable price. This is a must-have item that will save you time, hassle and money when traveling with your baby.