A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy will be an essential item for families with more than one child. You can travel through urban streets or off-road trails easily while keeping your kids comfortable and content.
When you are choosing a double stroller, there are a lot of things to consider. Firstly, check that it will fit through your doorway and into your car boot when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to welcome the second child home, but there are many practical aspects to consider. The addition of another child to the family can mean reorganising living spaces, rethinking car seats, and of course, investing in the latest double buggy.
There are plenty of great options available, whether you're looking for twins or simply want something that is narrow. Our experts at the lab recommend iCandy Peach because it comes with a variety of accessories that rival brands will charge extra for. It also folds up in a neat way to take up less space in your boot. It's easy to move and it rolls well, according to the test subjects. However, it could be a bit long when you're using it in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies work well for keeping kids together, but they can be slightly larger than the single stroller. This makes it difficult to navigate through kerbs and up and down. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm width, is the tiniest available on the market. 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. It can be used as mono or tandem buggy once your children are old enough to be seated together.
The adjustable height handle is great for steering and the suspension can take care of slick surfaces. It's ideal for older children, as the seat is elevated in 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 good option.
It's crucial to select the right double buggy that is comfortable to push. Look for a handle that's padded and well-shaped to suit your height, as well as a large basket with many pockets and compartments. It's also worth checking how it's simple to fold and put away your buggy when not using it.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some amazing new double buggies that allow two children to travel much simpler. For instance, the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can be used to carry twins (or one toddler and a baby) with both car seats facing forward or backward, and even a third seat using a 'piggyback board' (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light frame with swivel wheels and suspension make it easy to maneuver around town and on rough terrain.
Other models with side-by-sides, like the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight and have a smaller footprint, which makes them easy to fit through doors and on public transport and you can usually store them with seats still attached. They do require more effort to push them over kerbs, and they can be tricky 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 clever frame that can be expanded widthways, and a height-adjustable handle making it really easy to steer with only one hand.
If you intend to travel by public transport frequently, think about whether you'll require a double buggy that has big wheels as these tend to cope better with uneven or rough surfaces. Consider how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy, as well as the width of the buggy when folded, to determine if it's going to fit in your boot. If you live in an area with narrow streets, choose a tandem double stroller where the child sits behind their companion, instead of beside them. This makes it easier to maneuver through narrow spaces.
Plenty of storage
A double buggy isn't a necessity for all families but it can make outings more manageable for families with toddlers and newborns. If you're looking for a light model that's easy to steer look into the selection of double stroller with infant car seat buggies that are side-by-side. They come with a large basket under and a rear and side pockets to keep all the essentials for your baby. A lot of models come with handles that can be adjusted to fit parents of different heights. They fold up neatly to a compact form, making them ideal for use in small spaces or in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, try one of the all-terrain options. These are typically twins and are more difficult to manoeuvre, but they'll often come with a reclining seat designed for newborns and older infants, and are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts as well as active families. Some even allow you to convert the buggy into a Jogger, which makes them perfect for running and exercise.
Many of the best twin buggy double buggies are able to accommodate many different combinations of carrycots, car seats and seats. This makes them an excellent option for families with twins or children who are close in age, however, it's important to check the specifications of any model you're considering to ensure that it's a good fit for your needs.
There are two kinds of double buggys which are tandem and twin. In tandem the seats are placed behind the other. The primary benefit of a twin buggy is that your children will be able to interact, rather than having to take turns or fight over who gets the prime place. However, twin buggy are usually wider and can be tricky to navigate through doorways and supermarket aisles.
Tandem buggies tend to be a bit shorter however they're still more than single models. They are also less stable and might require dismantling in order to fit into the car boot. The majority of double buggies feature recline that is independent and recline, which is nowadays a standard feature. Be sure that the model can be adjusted by each child's seats to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for both parents and children are the best. Look out for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat can do and if the seats are adjustable independently so that you can adjust to your child's needs as they grow. Be sure to check the weight limits and whether they both come with a sun canopy or a hood to shield your children from rain and wind.
Consider a baby carrier to replace a double stroller. They are suitable for toddlers who are looking to walk but require a ride on board and they are also ideal for infants and newborns. Some carriers can also be used with a child car seat to give you more flexibility.
Some parents feel that a side by side double buggy is the most convenient option. However, there are some 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 from Mamas & Papas is another smart choice that gives you more configuration options than most other tandem buggies. It's designed as a mono pushchair and then you can add an additional seat or carrycot (and sometimes a third one) to the frame using adaptors, allowing you to have an array of seating options. It is easy to navigate, has a fantastic suspension and Lab experts loved how easy it was fold. You just pull up on the two straps (one under each seat) and you can collapse the whole thing in just a few seconds.
The purchase of a sit n stand double stroller buggy is an investment however, you'll be able to use it for years and will also get an excellent resale price. When making comparisons, it's important to remember that purchasing a reputable 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 item that will save you time, effort and money when you travel with your baby.