A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is essential for families with two children. You can navigate urban pathways or off road double buggy-road trails with ease while keeping your children comfortable and happy.
There are many things to think about when choosing a double seat stroller (additional reading) buggy. Be sure that it will fit through your car boot and your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second baby is an exciting possibility, but there are also lots of practical issues to be considered. The addition of another child to the family will require changing the layout of living spaces, thinking about car seats and, of course, purchasing the latest double buggy.
There are many great options to choose from regardless of whether you're looking for twins or simply need something a bit smaller. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach, which comes with a range of accessories that rival brands cost extra for and folds very neatly into place to take up a small amount of space in your boot. It is simple to maneuver and moves well, as per the test subjects. It may feel a little long when it is in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are great for keeping your children together but they are typically larger than a single buggy, which can make them difficult to navigate through kerbs. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the slimmest side-by-side available on the market and, at 63cm, it's the same size as a single pushchair. This allows it to be easily pushed through doors and on public transportation. It's compatible with many car seats, and it can expand with your family. It can be used as a mono or tandem buggy after your children are old enough to be seated together.
Its height adjustable handle is great for steering, and the suspension makes light work of rough surfaces. It's a great choice for older kids, as the seat is elevated in stadium style. This provides them with a better view of the action. It's not as lightweight as other models, but it's still a great choice.
It is essential to choose a double buggy that is comfortable to push. Find a handle with a padded grip that is shaped to your height. Also, a large basket that has plenty of compartments and pockets. If you're not using your buggy, it's worth checking how easily it folds up and stored.
Easy to maneuver
There are some incredible new double buggies available that allow you to travel with two kids much more enjoyable. For example the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can accommodate twins (or one toddler and a baby) with both carrycots or seats facing forward or backward and even a third seat using the 'piggyback' board (sold separately). Its sleek, light frame with swivel front wheels, swivel rear wheels and suspension make it easy to manoeuvre around town and over rough terrain.
Other side-by-side models such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight and have a compact footprint, making them easy to slide through doors and on public transport, and you can often store them with the seats still attached. They do require more effort to push over kerbs, and they aren't ideal for uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be used in tandem mode using both seats/carrycots however, it can also be used to push one buggy. Its clever frame can be expanded width-wise.
If you intend to travel by public transport often, think about whether you'll require a double buggy with big wheels since they tend to be more tolerant of uneven or rough surfaces. Find out how easy it is to fold and unfold, as well as the width of the buggy folded to determine if it can fit in your boot. If you live in a small village or town with narrow pavements, opt for a tandem double buggy in which the child sits behind the other instead of directly in front of them, since this will make it easier to navigate tight spaces.
Storage is plentiful and readily available
Double buggies don't have to be a necessity for every family, but they do make outings easier for those with toddlers and infants. Take a look at the side-by-side buggies if you want a lightweight, easy-to-steer model. They have a large storage basket underneath and side and rear pockets to store all your baby's essentials. You'll also find many models that feature adjustable handles to suit parents of different heights and fold up neatly into a compact shape that is suitable for use in tight spaces or to stow away in the boot.
All-terrain double buggys are good option if you're seeking a more durable model. They're typically twins and are more difficult to maneuver, but they often come with a reclined seat that is ideal for babies and toddlers. They're an excellent choice for those who love the outdoors and active family members. Some models can be converted into joggers, making them perfect for running or exercising.
Many of the top double buggies will be able to accommodate a wide range of combinations of seats, carrycots and car seats. This makes them an excellent option for families with twins or siblings who are close in age, but it's worth looking over the specs of any model you're considering to ensure that it's a good fit for your needs.
There are two main kinds 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 stroller buggy has the main advantage that your children can play together, rather than fighting over who sits in front. twin stroller buggys can be wider and more difficult to navigate through aisles and doorways at the supermarket.
Tandem buggies are generally smaller, but they're still longer than single models. They are also less stable and could require dismantling to fit into your car's boot. Most double buggies have independent seat recline, which is nowadays a standard feature. Make sure that the model has the ability 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. Check for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat can achieve and whether the seats are adjustable independently to allow you to adjust to your child's needs as they develop. Also, check the weight limit and whether both have a sun canopy or an hood to protect the seats from rain and wind.
Consider the use of a baby carrier as an alternative to a double stroller. They are ideal for toddlers who want to walk, but still need the comfort of a ride. They are also great for babies and newborns. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with a car seat to give more flexibility.
Some parents believe that a side by side double buggy is the most practical option. However there are some new models 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 from Mamas & Papas is another clever choice that offers more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's a single to double pushchair-pushchair and then you can add a carrycot to the frame by using adaptors. This offers the option of a variety of seating options. It is easy to control, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts were impressed by how easy it was to fold. It is as simple as pulling up on the two straps (one under each seat) and you can fold the entire thing in a matter of minutes.
Double buggys are an investment that will last for years. They also have a good resale cost. When looking at prices it's important to consider that buying a brand name model will let you purchase additional accessories and upgrades later. For example, some of our top-rated double buggies come with a convenient Changing Bag and Carrier included in the cost. This is an essential accessory that'll save you time and effort on the day you need to travel with your children.