A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is a must-have for families with two kids. You can travel through urban streets or off-road trails with ease while keeping your children comfortable and happy.
When you are choosing a double stroller, there are numerous things to consider. Check that it can fit through the car boot and through your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second child is an exciting possibility, but there are also lots of practical aspects to consider. Addition of a second child to the family will require rearranging living spaces, rethinking the seating arrangements in vehicles and purchasing a double buggy.
There are many great options available, whether you're looking for twins or just want something that is narrow. Our experts from the lab recommend the iCandy Peach because it comes with a variety of accessories that other brands will cost additional fees for. It also folds extremely neatly to take up less space in your boot. The Peach is well-balanced and is easy to move. It can feel a bit long when in double mode.
Side-byside buggies can be fantastic for keeping your children in a single place but they are typically wider than a single buggy, which makes them difficult to navigate through kerbs. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm width is the tiniest on the market. This allows it to be easily pushed through doorways and on public transportation. It is compatible with a variety of car seats, and can expand with your family. It can be used as a mono or tandem buggy after your children are old enough to sit together.
The height-adjustable handle is ideal for steering and the suspension is able to make light work of rough surfaces. It's a great choice for older children, since it comes with a seat that's elevated stadium style to give them an even better view of the action. It's not as light as other models on this list but it's still a good choice.
It is essential to choose the right double buggy that is easy to push. Find a handle with a cushioned grip that is made to fit your height. Also, a large basket that has plenty of compartments and pockets. If you're not using your buggy, it's worth considering how easily it can be folded and stored.
Easy to manoeuvre
There are some incredible new double buggies out there that make going out and about with two children much easier. The iCandy Orange, for example is a multi-purpose choice that can accommodate twins or one toddler and a baby with both seats/carrycots facing either in the direction of forward or reverse. It can also accommodate a third kid using a piggyback' board (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light frame, swivel wheels, and suspension make it easy to move through the city and on rougher terrain.
Other side-by-side models such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also extremely light and have a small footprint so they're easy to fit through doors and on public transport, and often you can put them away with the 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 great choice as it can be used with both carseats or seats in tandem mode but can also be used as a single stroller thanks to its clever frame that expands widthways. It also has an adjustable height handle, making it really easy to steer with just one hand.
If you plan to travel by public transport frequently, think about whether you'll need a double buggy that has big wheels as these tend to cope better with rough or uneven surfaces. Additionally, take note of how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy and how wide it is when folded to see whether your vehicle is able to accommodate it. If you reside in an area that has narrow streets, consider a double stroller that has the child is seated behind their partner, instead of sitting beside them. This will make it easier to maneuver around narrow spaces.
Plenty of storage
Double buggies don't have to be a necessity for every family, but they can make outings easier for those with infants and toddlers. If you're looking for a lightweight model that is easy to steer look into the selection of side-by-side double buggies. They come with a large basket underneath and side and rear pockets to keep all your baby's essentials. Some models have handles that are adjustable that can be adjusted to fit parents of different heights. off road double buggy fold neatly into a compact size making them ideal for use in small areas or in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, try one of the all-terrain models. These tend to be twin and are more difficult to manoeuvre, but they'll often come with a reclining seat designed for infants and older children and are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some models can be converted into Joggers, making them ideal for running or exercise.
A lot of the top double buggies can be used with many different combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats. This makes them a great option for families with twins or siblings who are similar in age, but it's worth looking over the specifications of any model you're thinking about to ensure it's suitable for your needs.
There are two primary types of double buggy: twin which is where your children are side-by-side, and tandem with one seat in front of the other. A twin buggy has the main advantage that children can play together, rather than fighting over who gets to sit in front. Twin buggy can be larger and can be more difficult to navigate through aisles and doorways at the supermarket.
double buggy with car seat are usually a bit shorter however they're still more than single models. They're also less stable when going up kerbs and may need dismantling in order to fit into your car's boot. Reclining the seat independently is now a fairly standard feature on the majority of double buggies, so do ensure that the model will let you adjust each child's seat to the position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
A well-designed double buggy should provide both parents and children plenty of comfort. Check for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat can achieve and whether the seats are adjustable independently so you can adapt to your child's needs as they grow. Check the weight limit, and if they both have a hood or sun canopy that protects from wind and rain.
If you're looking for a versatile alternative to a double pushchair then consider a baby carrier. They are great for toddlers who wish to walk but need an extra ride. They're 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 easiest option to navigate, but 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 that is side-by-side available (it's the same size as a single stroller).
The Wave from Mamas & Papas is another clever choice that offers more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's designed as an uni-pedestrian pushchair. Later, you can add an additional seat or carrycot (and sometimes a third one) to the frame using adaptors, giving you the option of a variety of seating arrangements. It's easy to steer, has a great suspension, and Lab experts were impressed by the ease of fold. You just pull up on two straps (one under each seat) and the whole unit folds in a matter of seconds.
Double buggys are a good investment that will last for years. They also come with a decent resale price. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it's best to buy an item from a reputable brand, as it will allow you to acquire extra accessories and upgrades in the future. Some of our best-rated double buggies include a handy Changing Bag and Carrier at a reasonable price. This is a must-have item that will save you time, effort and money when you travel with your baby.