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. It allows you to navigate urban roads and off road trails with ease while keeping your kids safe and content.
There are many things to consider when choosing a double buggy. Make sure it fits through the car boot and doorway when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to welcome the second child home however, there are a lot of practical aspects to consider. The addition of a new child to the family requires redesigning living spaces, rethinking vehicle seats and purchasing the double buggy.
If you're looking to purchase twins or just need something a little more compact, there are lots of options available on the market. Our lab experts love the iCandy Peach, which comes with a range of accessories that other brands cost extra for and is very compact and folds up to take up a small amount of space in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is a breeze to move. However, it can feel a little long when you're using it in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies work well to keep children in a single space, but they can be somewhat larger than one stroller. This makes it difficult to navigate 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 as a single pushchair. This makes it easy to fit through doors and on public transport. It's compatible with all kinds of car seats and can adapt to your growing family - it can be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are old enough to be seated side-by-side.
The suspension is great for rough surfaces, and its adjustable height handle makes steering simple. It's an excellent choice for older kids, since it has a seat elevated in a stadium style, giving them an even better view of the action. It's not as light as some other models in this list but it's a great option.
It's important that you choose a double buggy that's comfortable to push. Look for a handle with a cushioned grip that is made to fit your height. Also, a large basket with lots of compartments and pockets. It's also worth assessing how it's simple to fold and store your buggy when you're not using it.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some fantastic new double buggies that allow two children to travel much simpler. The iCandy Orange, for example is a multi-purpose choice that can fit twins or one baby and a toddler with both carrycots/seats facing in the direction of forward or reverse. It can also accommodate a third child using piggyback's board (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light frame with swivel wheels and suspension make it easy to maneuver around town and on rougher terrain.
side by side double stroller Push Chairs And Prams is another side-by-side model that's incredibly light and has a small footprint. They can be easily stored with the seats attached. They require more effort to push over kerbs, and can be tricky on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another excellent option as it can be used with both carseats or seats in tandem mode, but it 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 easy to steer with only one hand.
If you plan to use public transport a lot, consider whether you're going to need a double buggy with big wheels as these tend to be more tolerant of rough or uneven surfaces. Similarly, check the ease with which you can fold and unfold the buggy, as well as how wide it is when folded to determine whether your car is able to accommodate it. If you reside in an area with narrow streets, consider a double stroller that has the child is placed behind their partner rather than beside them. This makes it easier to maneuver through narrow spaces.
Storage is readily available
Double buggies aren't necessary for every family, but they do make outings easier for those with infants and toddlers. If you're looking for a light model that's easy to steer take a look at the variety of double buggies that are side-by-side. They have a large storage basket beneath and side and rear pockets that can be used to store the essentials for your baby. There are a variety of models that feature adjustable handles that can be adjusted to fit parents of different heights. They fold down in a neat, compact form that is suitable for use 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 options. They are typically twins and are more difficult to maneuver, but they often come with a reclining seat that is great for babies and toddlers. They're an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active family members. Some allow you to transform the buggy into running jogger, making them ideal for running and exercise.
Many of the best double buggies will be able to accommodate a wide range of of seats, carrycots and car seats. They are an excellent choice for families with twins or siblings of similar age. However, it's essential to verify the specifications of any model you're interested in.
There are two main kinds of double buggy - twin, where your children sit side-by-side, and tandem, with one seat in front of the other. The primary benefit of twin buggy is that your children can interact without having to rotate or argue over who gets the prime place. However, twins tend to be wider and can be tricky to navigate through the supermarket's doorways and aisles.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly shorter than single buggies, but are nonetheless longer. They're also less stable when bumping up kerbs and might require dismantling in order to fit into the car boot. Most double buggies have recline that is independent, which is now an option that is standard. Make sure your chosen model has the ability 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. Check for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat can do and whether the seats are adjustable independently so you can adapt them as your children develop. Be sure to check the weight limits and whether they both have a sun canopy as well as a hood to shield the seats from rain and wind.
If you're looking for a flexible alternative to a double pushchair, consider a baby carrier. They are suitable for toddlers who would like to walk but need an adult ride. they're also great for newborns and infants. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with a car seat for children, giving you even more flexibility.
Many parents find a side-by-side double buggy to be the most convenient to navigate, however there are also some innovative models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone that is incredibly slim and is the thinnest side-by-side double buggy on the market (it's the same size 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 is a mono-pushchair and then you can add a carrycot or a second one to the frame using adaptors. This offers an array of seating options. It is easy to control, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts were amazed by how simple it was to fold. It is as simple as pulling up on the two straps (one under each seat) and you can collapse the entire thing in a matter of just a few seconds.
A double buggy is a big investment, but you'll be able to make use of it for many years and also enjoy a decent resale value. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it is best to purchase a brand-name model as this will allow you to get extra accessories and upgrades in the future. For example, some of our top-rated double buggies come with a handy 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.