A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is an essential item for families with two children. You can travel through urban streets or off-road trails with ease while keeping your kids comfortable and happy.
When you are choosing a double stroller, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration. Firstly, check that it will fit through your door and into your car boot when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second child is a thrilling prospect, but there are plenty of practical issues to be considered. The addition of another child to the family will require reorganising living spaces, rethinking car seats, and of course, buying a new double buggy.
There are a variety of options available depending on whether you're looking to purchase twins or want something narrow. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach, which comes with a set of accessories that competitors cost extra for. It can fold up very well to occupy a tiny space in your boot. It's easy to move and it rolls well, according to the test subjects. It may feel a little long when in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies can be great to keep your kids together but they tend to be bigger than a single buggy which can make them hard to navigate up and down 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. It is easy to maneuver through doors and onto public transport. It is compatible with a variety of car seats, and can grow with your family. You can use it as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are old enough to be seated together.
The suspension is excellent for rough surfaces, and the adjustable height makes steering a breeze. It's a great choice for older kids, as it has a seat that's elevated to give them an improved view of the action. It's not as lightweight as other models on this list but it's still a nippy option.
You'll be pushing your double buggy a lot so it's crucial to select one that is easy to push. Choose a handle that is well-padded and shaped to match your height, and a large basket with lots of pockets and compartments. If you're not using your buggy, you should consider checking how easily it can be folded and stored.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some amazing new double buggies available that make going out and about with two children much easier. The iCandy Orange, for example, is a multi-purpose option that can fit twins or one toddler and one baby with both car seats facing forward or backwards. It can also accommodate a third child with a piggyback' board (sold separately). Its sleek, light frame, swivel front wheels and suspension make it easy to manoeuvre through town and on rough terrain.
The Joie Evalite Duo is another side-by-side model that is extremely light and has a small footprint. They can be easily moved around with the seats on. They require more effort to push them over kerbs and can be difficult to maneuver on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be utilized in tandem mode with both carrycots and seats however, it can also be used to push one buggy. Its clever frame can be expanded width-wise.
If you plan on using public transportation frequently you might want to consider a double-buggy that has big wheels. They are more designed for rough or uneven surfaces. Consider how easy it will be to fold and unfold the buggy, and also the length of the buggy once folded to determine if it can fit into your boot. If you live in a small village or town with narrow pavements, opt for a double buggy that has the child is seated behind the other, instead of directly in front of them, since this makes it easier for them to navigate narrow spaces.
Lots of storage
Double buggies aren't necessary for every family, but they can help with outings for families with infants and toddlers. Look into the side-byside buggies if you want an easy-to-drive, lightweight model. They come with a large basket under as well as side and rear pockets to keep all the essentials for your baby. You'll also find many models that feature adjustable handles that can be adjusted to fit parents of different heights. They fold in a neat, compact form that is suitable for small spaces or for tucking away in the boot.
If you want a more robust double buggy, you can choose one of the all-terrain models. They're typically twins and more difficult to maneuver, but often come with a reclining seat that is ideal for toddlers and babies. They are a great choice for active family members. Some models can be converted into Joggers, making them ideal for running or exercise.
Many of the best double buggies will be able to accommodate a variety of of carrycots, seats and car seats. They are a great option for families with twins or siblings of similar age. However, it is crucial to look up the specifications of any model that you are interested in.
There are two primary types of double buggy - twin which is where your children are side-by-side, and tandem where one seat is placed in front of the other. The primary benefit of twin buggy is that your children will be able to communicate, rather than having to take turns or argue over who gets the best seat. However, twin buggy tend to be larger 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're also less stable when going up kerbs, and may require dismantling in order to fit into your car's boot. The majority of double buggies come with an recline for the seat independently that is now a standard feature. Make sure your chosen model allows you to adjust the child's seat to a position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
A good double buggy should give both parents and children plenty of comfort. Look out for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat is able to do and whether the seats are adjustable independently so that you can adjust to your child's needs as they grow. Check the weight limit and if they both have a hood or sun canopy to protect from rain and wind.
If you're looking for a versatile alternative to a double pushchair, you should consider a baby carriage. They are ideal for toddlers that want to walk but need a ride. They are also great for babies and newborns. Some carriers can be used with a car seat for children to give you more flexibility.
Some parents believe that a side by side double buggy is the most convenient option. However there are some new models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone. It is the thinnest double buggy side by side available on the market.
Get the facts made by Mamas & Papas are another good option. They come with more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It is a mono-pushchair, and you can then add a carrycot to the frame with adaptors. This provides you with a variety of seating options. It is easy to navigate, has a fantastic suspension and Lab experts were amazed by how simple it was fold. Simply pull up on the two straps (one underneath each seat) and then you can fold the entire thing in just a few seconds.
The purchase of a double buggy is an investment, but you'll be able use it for years and will also get a decent resale value. When looking at prices, it's important to remember that purchasing a reputable model can allow you to get extra accessories and upgrades later on. For instance, many of our top-rated double buggies come with a convenient changing Bag and Carrier included in the cost. This is a must-have item that will save you time, hassle and money when traveling with your child.