A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is a necessity for families with more than one child. You can navigate urban pathways or off-road trails easily while keeping your children safe and happy.
When you are choosing a double stroller, there are many things to consider. Check that it can fit through your car boot and doorway when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second baby is an exciting prospect but there are plenty of practical considerations. The addition of a child to the family means changing the layout of living spaces, thinking about car seats, and of course, buying a new double buggy.
There are many great alternatives available regardless of whether you're looking for twins or just want something that is narrow. Our lab experts love the iCandy Peach, which comes with a set of accessories that rival brands cost extra for and can fold up very well to take up little space in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is a breeze to manoeuvre. However, it may feel a little long when you're in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are great for keeping your children in a single place but they tend to be wider than a single buggy which can make them hard to maneuver up and down kerbs. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm width, is the tiniest available on the market. It's easy to pass through doors and into public transport. It's compatible with a variety of car seats and can grow with your family It can also be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are ready to be seated side-by-side.
The suspension is ideal for rough surfaces, and the adjustable height makes steering a breeze. It's a great choice for older kids, since it has a seat that's elevated in a stadium style, giving them an improved view of the action. It's not as light as other models on this list, but it's still a good option.
You'll be pushing your double buggy often so it's important to select an item that is easy to push. Find a handle that's comfortable and well-shaped to fit your height, as well as an ample basket that has many compartments and pockets. It's also worth checking how easy it is to fold and put away your buggy when not using it.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some incredible double buggies on the market that make traveling with two kids much more convenient. For example the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can accommodate twins (or one toddler and a baby) with both carrycots or seats facing either backward or forward and even a third one with piggyback boards (sold separately). second hand double buggy , light frame, swivel wheels, and suspension allow it to be easily moved through the city and on rough terrain.
The Joie Evalite Duo is another side-by-side model that is extremely lightweight and has a tiny footprint. They can be easily moved around with the seats on. However, they require some muscle to get 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 mode, but it can also be used as a single buggy due to its clever frame that expands widthways and a height adjustable handle making it simple to steer with just one hand.
If you plan to travel by public transport often, think about whether you're going to need a double buggy with big wheels as these tend to cope better with rough or uneven surfaces. Consider how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy, as well as the width of the buggy folded to see if it will fit in your boot. If you live in an area with narrow streets, you should consider a tandem double stroller where the child is seated behind their companion, instead of behind them. This will make it easier to maneuver in narrow spaces.
A lot of storage
Double buggies aren't required for every family, but they can make outings easier for those with infants and toddlers. Look into the side-byside buggies if you're looking for an easy-to-steer, lightweight model. They have a large storage basket underneath as well as side and rear pockets to keep all the necessities for your baby. Some models have handles that are adjustable that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of different heights. They can also fold to a compact form which makes them perfect for small areas or in the boot.
If you want a more robust double buggy, try one of the all-terrain options. These are typically twins and are more difficult to maneuver however, they're usually equipped with a reclined seat for infants and older children, and are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts as well as active families. Certain models can be converted into joggers, which makes them ideal for running or exercise.
A lot of the top double buggies are able to accommodate a variety of combinations of carrycots, car seats and seats. They are an excellent choice for families with twins or siblings with similar ages. However, it is essential to verify the specifications of the model you're interested in.
There are two kinds of double buggy - twin which is where your children are side-by-side, and tandem where one seat is placed in front of the other. A twin buggy has the main benefit that your children are able to be together instead of fighting over who should sit in front. However, twins are usually wider and can be difficult to navigate through supermarket entrances and aisles.
Tandem buggies tend to be smaller than single models, but are still longer. They're also less stable and might require dismantling in order to fit into the car boot. Most double buggies have recline for the seat independently and recline, which is now an option that is standard. Make sure that the model can be adjusted by 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. Look out for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat can achieve and if the seats can be independently adjusted so that you can adjust them as your children develop. Be sure to check the weight limit and whether they both have a hood or sun canopy that protects from wind and rain.
Consider using a baby carrier to replace a double stroller. They are suitable for toddlers who would like to walk but need an adult ride. they're also great for infants and newborns. Some carriers can be paired with a car seat to give greater flexibility.
Many parents find a side-by-side double buggy the most comfortable to navigate, however there are also some innovative models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone, that is incredibly 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 from Mamas & Papas is another smart choice that gives you more configuration options than most other tandem buggies. It's designed as a single pushchair, but you can add a second seat or carrycot (and sometimes a third) to the frame by using adaptors, allowing you to have the option of a variety of seating arrangements. It's smooth to steer and has a great suspension, and Lab experts really liked how easy it was to fold. You just pull up on two straps (one under each seat) and the whole thing collapses in half in a matter of seconds.
A double buggy is an investment, but you'll be able to use it for years and also have an excellent resale price. When making comparisons it's important to consider that purchasing a reputable model will allow you to get extra accessories and upgrades later on. Some of our best-rated double buggies come with a convenient Changing Bag & Carrier in the price. This is an essential accessory that will help you save time, effort and money when traveling with your child.