A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is essential for families with more than one child. It will enable you to navigate urban roads and off-road trails without difficulty while making sure that your children are comfortable and content.
When selecting a double stroller, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration. First, make sure it can fit through your doorway and into your car boot when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second baby is an exciting prospect but there are also lots of practical aspects to consider. Addition of a second child to the family will require redesigning living spaces, rethinking the seating arrangements in vehicles, and investing in an extra buggy.
There are plenty of great alternatives available depending on whether you're looking to purchase twins or simply need something a bit smaller. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach, which comes with a range of accessories that competitors charge extra for and is very compact and folds up to take up little space in your boot. Testers find it rolls well and is easy to maneuver. However, it may seem a bit long if you're using it in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are ideal to keep children in a single space, but they can be slightly larger than a single stroller. This makes it difficult to navigate between kerbs. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the slimmest side-by-side on the market though and, at just 63cm wide it's the same width as a single pushchair. It's easy to get through doors and into public transportation. It's compatible with a variety of car seats and can expand with your family It can also be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are old enough to be seated side-by-side.
Its height adjustable handle is ideal for steering and the suspension is able to make light work of slick surfaces. It's great for older children because the seat is elevated stadium style. This allows them to have a better view of the action. It's not as light as some other models on this list, but it's still a nippy choice.
You'll be pushing your double buggy a lot so it's essential to select an item that is comfortable to push. Look for a handle with a padded grip that is shaped to your height. Also, look for a large basket that has plenty of pockets and compartments. It's also worth looking into how it's simple to fold and store your buggy when you're not using it.
Easy to maneuver
There are some amazing double buggies on the market that make traveling with two children much easier. The iCandy Orange, for example is a multi-purpose choice that can fit twins or one toddler and one baby with both seats/carrycots facing either forward or backwards. It can also accommodate a third child using a piggyback' board (sold separately). Its sleek, light frame, swivel wheels, and suspension allow it to be easily moved in the city and over rough terrain.
Other models with side-by-sides, like the Joie Evalite Duo are also extremely light and have a small footprint, making them easy to slide through doors and on public transport, and often you can store them with seats still attached. However, they do require some more strength to get over kerbs, and are more difficult to maneuver 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 due to its unique frame that can be expanded widthways, and an adjustable height handle, which makes it easy to steer with only one hand.
If you plan to use public transport often, think about whether you're going to need a double buggy with large wheels as these tend to cope better with rough or uneven surfaces. Consider the ease to fold and unfold, and also the length of the buggy once folded to determine if it can fit into your boot. If you reside in an area with narrow streets, consider a tandem double stroller in which the child is placed behind their companion, rather than beside them. This makes it easier to maneuver through tight spaces.
Plenty of storage
Double buggies aren't required for every family, but they can make outings easier for those with toddlers and infants. Look into the side-byside buggies if you're looking for an easy-to-drive, lightweight model. They offer plenty of space underneath in the form of a spacious basket and additional rear and side pockets for all the baby necessities. You'll also find many models with adjustable handles to suit parents of different heights and fold in a neat, compact form suitable for small spaces or for tucking away in the boot.
All-terrain double buggys are good option if you're seeking a more durable model. They are usually twins and are more difficult to maneuver however, they're usually equipped with a reclining seat designed for newborns and older infants and are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some models can be converted into joggers, making them perfect for running or exercise.
Many of the top double buggies are able to accommodate a wide range of combinations of seats, carrycots and car seats. This makes them a great option for families with twins or siblings who are similar in age, however, it's important to check the specs of any model you're considering to ensure that it's suitable for your needs.
There are two types of double buggy: tandem and twin. In tandem the seats are placed in front of the next. The main advantage of a twin buggy is that your children will be able to interact without having to rotate or fight over who gets the best place. However, twin buggys tend to be wider and may be difficult to navigate through doorways and supermarket aisles.
Tandem buggies are usually slightly shorter than single buggies, but are still longer. They're also less stable when going up kerbs, and may require 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 make sure that your chosen model allows you to adjust each child's seat to the position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for both parents and children are the best. Make sure you check the padding on the straps and the amount of recline that each seat can attain. Also, make sure that the seats can be adjusted independently to allow you to adapt to your child's needs. Check the weight limits too and if they have a sun canopy as well as a hood to protect the seats from rain and wind.
If you're looking for a flexible alternative to a double pushchair, you should consider a baby carriage. They're great for toddlers who want to walk but require a ride. They're also perfect for babies and newborns. 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 the easiest option to navigate, however there are some truly innovative models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone which is extremely slim and is the tiniest double buggy that is side-by-side available (it's the same width as a single stroller).
The Wave tandem buggies made by Mamas & Papas are another excellent choice. They come with more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's a single-pushchair and you can add a carrycot to the frame using adaptors. This provides you with the option of a variety of seating options. It's smooth to steer, has a great suspension, and Lab experts were impressed by the ease with which it is to fold. All you have to do is pull up on two straps (one under each seat) and the entire 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 enjoy an excellent resale price. When looking at prices it is important to keep in mind that buying a brand name model will let you acquire additional accessories and upgrades later. For instance, a few of our top-rated double buggies come with an easy changing Bag and Carrier included in the price. This is a must-have accessory that will help you save time, hassle and money when traveling with your child.