A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is essential for families with two children. It can help you navigate urban roads and off-road trails with ease whilst keeping your kids safe and happy.
There are a variety of factors to think about when choosing a double buggy. First, make sure it can fit through your doorway and into the car boot when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to bring home a second hand double buggy child, but there are many practical aspects to consider. The addition of a new child to the family requires rearranging living spaces, rethinking car seats and acquiring a double buggy.
If you're looking for twins or want something narrow there are plenty of great options out there. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach because it comes with a number of accessories that rival brands will cost extra for. It folds extremely neatly to make it easier to store in your boot. The Peach is well-balanced and is a breeze to move. However, it may seem a bit long if you're using it in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are ideal for keeping children together but they are a bit wider than a single stroller. This can make 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 size as a single pushchair. This allows it to be easily pushed through doorways and on public transportation. It is compatible with many car seats, and it can grow with your family. You can use it as mono or tandem buggy after your children are old enough to sit together.
The adjustable height handle is great for steering, and the suspension makes light work of rough surfaces. It's an excellent choice for older kids, since it comes with a seat that's elevated in a stadium style, giving them an even better view of the action. It's not quite as light as other models, however it's still an excellent choice.
It's important that you choose the right thule double stroller buggy that is easy to push. Choose a handle that is padded and well-shaped to suit your height, as well as a spacious basket with plenty of compartments and pockets. If you're not using your buggy, it's worth considering how easily it folds and can be stored.
Easy to manoeuvre
There are some incredible double buggies on the market that allow two children to travel much easier. For example the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can be used to carry twins (or one toddler and a baby) with both seats/carrycots facing forward or backward, and even a third one with the 'piggyback' board (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light weight, swivel wheels, and suspension make it easy to move around town and on rougher terrain.
Other models that are side-by-side, such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight and have a compact footprint, which makes them easily able to be inserted into doors and on public transport and you can usually put them away with the seats still attached. However, they require some more strength to get over kerbs, and can be trickier on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another great choice as it can take both seats/carrycots in tandem mode but can also be used as a single buggy thanks to its unique frame that expands widthways and a height-adjustable handle which makes it simple to steer with just one hand.
If you're planning to travel by public transport frequently, think about whether you'll require a double buggy that has big wheels as these tend to be more tolerant of uneven or rough surfaces. Check the ease to fold and unfold, as well as the width of the buggy when folded, to see if it will fit into your boot. If you live in a small village or town with narrow streets, consider a double buggy that has the child is seated behind the other, instead of sitting directly in front of them, since this will make it easier to navigate tight spaces.
Plenty of storage
Double buggies aren't necessary for every family, but they can make outings easier for those with infants and toddlers. Take a look at the side-by-side buggies if you want an easy-to-steer, lightweight model. They come with a large basket under as well as side and rear pockets to keep all your baby's essentials. There are many models that feature adjustable handles that are suited to parents of different heights. They also fold down easily into a compact size that is suitable for tight spaces or to stow away in the boot.
If you want a more robust double buggy, consider one of the all-terrain models. These tend to be twin and can be more difficult to manoeuvre however, they're usually equipped with a reclining seat for infants and older children and are a good option for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some permit you to convert the buggy into a Jogger, which makes them perfect for running and exercise.
Many of the top double buggies will be able to accommodate a variety of combinations of seats, carrycots and car seats. They are a great choice for families with twins or siblings with similar ages. However, it's important to check the specifications of the model you're interested in.
There are two types of double buggys which are tandem and twin. In tandem, one seat is placed on top of the other. The main advantage of a twin buggy is that your children will be able to interact, rather than having to rotate or argue over who gets the prime seat. However, twin buggys are usually wider and can be tricky to navigate through the supermarket's doorways and aisles.
Tandem buggies are usually a little shorter than single buggies, but are nevertheless longer. They're also less stable and could require dismantling in order to fit in your car boot. Recline-based seats are now a common feature on most double buggies, so do ensure that your model can be adjusted by each child's seat to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
A well-designed double buggy should offer both children and parents plenty of comfort. Look out for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat can achieve and if the seats can be independently adjusted so you can adapt to your child's needs as they grow. Be sure to check the weight limits and whether both have a sun canopy or a hood to shield the seats from rain and wind.
Consider a baby carrier to replace a double stroller. They're great for toddlers that want to walk but require an extra ride. They're also ideal for newborns and babies. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with a car seat for children to give you even more flexibility.
Some parents find that a side-by-side double buggy is the best double stroller option. However there are a few innovative models available, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone. It is the lightest double buggy side by side on the market.
The Wave tandem buggies made by Mamas & Papas are another smart choice. They offer more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's designed as a single pushchair, but you can add an additional seat or carrycot (and sometimes a third one) to the frame using adaptors, which gives you an array of seating options. It is easy to steer, has a great suspension and Lab experts were amazed by how simple it was to fold. Simply pull up on the two straps (one underneath each seat) and you can fold the entire thing in just a few just a few seconds.
Double buggys are an investment that will last for many years. They also come with a decent resale price. When comparing prices, remember that it's best to purchase an item from a reputable brand, as it will help you to secure 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 an essential item that will save you time and hassle on the day you need to travel with your babies.