A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy will be essential for families with more than one child. It is possible to navigate urban roads or off-road trails with ease while keeping your children comfortable and happy.
When choosing a double stroller, there are many aspects to take into consideration. Firstly, check that it can pass through your doorway and into the car boot when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second child is an exciting possibility, but there are also lots of practical aspects to consider. The addition of a child to the family means reorganising living spaces, rethinking car seats, and of course, purchasing a new double buggy.
There are plenty of great alternatives available, whether you're looking for twins or want something narrow. Our lab experts like the iCandy Peach, which comes with a set of accessories that other brands charge extra for and can fold up very well to occupy a tiny space in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is a breeze to maneuver. It may feel a little long when used in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies can be great for keeping your children in a single place however they are generally bigger than a single buggy which can make them hard to maneuver up and down kerbs. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the slimmest side-by-side on the market, and at just 63cm wide it's the same size as a single pushchair. It is easy to maneuver through doors and onto public transport. It's compatible with many car seats, and it can expand with your family. It can be used as a mono or tandem buggy once your children are old enough to be seated together.
The suspension is excellent for rough surfaces, and the adjustable height makes steering a breeze. It's great for older children since the seat is elevated in stadium style. This gives them a better perspective of the action. It's not as lightweight as other models in this list but it's a great option.
You'll be pushing your double buggy a lot so it's essential to choose an item that is easy to push. Look for a handle with a padded grip that is designed to fit your height. Also, a large basket with lots of compartments and pockets. It's also worth checking how it's easy to fold and put away your buggy when not using it.
Easy to manoeuvre
There are some incredible new double buggies that allow two children to travel much easier. The iCandy Orange, for example, is a multi-purpose option that can be used to accommodate twins or one toddler and a baby with both carrycots/seats facing forward or backwards. It can also accommodate a third child using a piggyback' board (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light weight with swivel wheels and suspension make it easy to maneuver through the city and on rough terrain.
Other models with side-by-sides, like the Joie Evalite Duo are also extremely light and have a smaller footprint so they're easy to fit through doors and on public transport and often you can store them with seats still attached. However, they do require some muscle to push them over kerbs and are more difficult to maneuver on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another ideal option since it can accommodate both carrycots and seats in tandem, but can also be used as a single stroller thanks to its unique frame that can be expanded widthways, and a height-adjustable handle making it easy to steer with only one hand.
If you're planning to use public transportation frequently, think about whether you'll need a double buggy that has big wheels since they tend to cope better with rough or uneven surfaces. Consider the ease to fold and unfold the buggy, and also the length of the buggy folded to determine if it's going to fit in your car. If you reside in an area with narrow streets, consider a tandem double stroller where the child sits behind their companion, instead of sitting behind them. This makes it easier to maneuver through tight spaces.
Lots of storage
A double buggy isn't a necessity for all families, but it can make outings easier for those with toddlers or newborns. Look into the side-byside buggies if you're looking for an easy-to-drive, lightweight model. They come with a large basket beneath and a rear and side pockets to keep all your baby's essentials. There are many models with adjustable handles that can be adjusted to fit parents of different heights and fold up easily into a compact size ideal for use in tight spaces or to stow away in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, you can choose one of the all-terrain options. These are usually twins, and are more difficult to maneuver, but often have a reclining seat that is ideal for toddlers and infants. They're a great option for outdoor enthusiasts and active family members. Some even permit you to transform the buggy into Jogger, which makes them perfect for running and exercising.
Many of the top double buggies will be 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 checking the specs of any model you're thinking about to ensure it's suitable for your needs.
There are two types of double buggy which are tandem and twin. In tandem, one seat is placed in front of the next. A twin buggy has the primary advantage that children can be together instead of fighting over who gets to sit in front. Twin buggys can be wider and make it more difficult to navigate through aisles and doorways at the grocery store.
Tandem buggies are generally a bit shorter, but they're still longer than single models. They are also less stable and may require dismantling in order to fit into your car boot. The majority of double buggies feature independent seat recline that is now a standard feature. Be sure that the model allows you to adjust each child's seats to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
A good double buggy should give both parents and children plenty of comfort. Be sure to look for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat can achieve and whether the seats can be independently adjusted so you can adapt them as your children develop. Be pushchair double to check the weight limits and if they have a sun canopy or a hood to protect them from wind and rain.
Consider the use of a baby carrier as an alternative to a double stroller. They're great for toddlers who wish to walk but need the comfort of a ride. They are also great for newborns and babies. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with the car seat for more flexibility.
Some parents feel that a side-by-side double buggy is the best option. However there are pushchair double to choose from, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxurious in herringbone. It is the thinnest double buggy side by side available on the market.
The Wave tandem buggies made by Mamas & Papas are another good option. They come with more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It starts as a mono-pushchair and you can add a second or carrycot to the frame by using adaptors. This gives you an array of seating options. It is easy to navigate, has a fantastic suspension and Lab experts loved how easy it was to fold. You just pull up on the two straps (one under each seat) and you can fold the entire thing in just a few minutes.
Double buggys are a good investment that will last for years. They also have a good resale cost. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it's best to buy an established brand as this will allow you to get more accessories and upgrades in the future. For example, some of our top-rated double buggies come with an easy changing Bag and Carrier included in the cost. This is a must-have accessory that will help you save time, effort and money when you travel with your baby.