A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is essential for families with two children. You can travel through urban streets or off-road trails easily while keeping your kids comfortable and happy.
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing a double buggy. Firstly, check that it will fit through your door and into your car boot when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to welcome another child into the family but there are a number of practical aspects to consider. The addition of a new child to the family can mean rearranging living spaces, rethinking vehicle seats, and investing in a double buggy.
There are many great options available, whether you're looking for twins or just need something a bit smaller. Our experts from the lab recommend the iCandy Peach because it comes with a number of accessories that competitors will cost extra for. It also folds extremely neatly to make it easier to store in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is a breeze to manoeuvre. It may feel a little long when in double mode.
Side-byside buggies can be fantastic to keep your kids together but they tend to be larger than a single buggy, which makes them difficult to navigate up and down kerbs. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the tiniest side-by-side on market though and, at just 63cm wide, it's the same width as one pushchair. This allows it to be easily pushed through doors and public transport. It is compatible with a variety of car seats, and it can expand with your family. It can be used as mono or tandem buggy once your children are old enough to sit together.
The height-adjustable handle is ideal for steering and the suspension is able to make light work of rough surfaces. It's a great option for older kids, as it comes with a seat that's elevated in a stadium style, giving them an even better view of the action. It's not as light as some other models on this list but it's a great choice.
It's important that you choose the right double buggy that is easy to push. Look for a handle that's padded and well-shaped to suit your height, as well as a large basket with plenty of pockets and compartments. When double to single buggy 're not using your buggy, it's worth checking how easily it can be folded and stored.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some incredible new double buggies out there that make getting out and about with two children much easier. The iCandy Orange, for example is a multi-purpose model that can be used to accommodate twins or one baby and a toddler with both car seats facing forwards or backwards. It can also accommodate a third child using a piggyback' board (sold separately). Its sleek, light frame with swivel front wheels, swivel rear wheels and suspension makes it easy to manoeuvre through 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 small footprint so they're easy to fit through doors and on public transport and you can usually store them with seats still in place. They do require more effort to push over kerbs and can be difficult to maneuver on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another excellent option as it can take both seats/carrycots in tandem mode, but it can also be used as a single buggy thanks to its clever frame that expands widthways. It also has a height-adjustable handle which makes it easy to steer with just one hand.
If you plan to travel by public transport frequently, think about whether you're going to need a double buggy with large wheels as these tend to perform better on rough or uneven surfaces. Consider how easy it is to fold and unfold, and also the length of the buggy once folded to determine if it can fit in your boot. If you live in a small town or village with narrow pavements, opt for a tandem double buggy where the child is seated behind the other instead of sitting directly in front of them, since this makes it easier for them to navigate narrow spaces.
A lot of storage
Double buggies aren't required for every family, but they can make outings easier for those with infants and toddlers. If you're looking for a lightweight model that's easy to steer, check out the range of double buggies that are side-by-side. They offer plenty of space under in the form of a large basket, as well as additional side and rear pockets for everything your baby needs. A lot of models come with handles that can be adjusted to suit parents of different heights. They can also fold to a compact size which makes them perfect for small spaces or in the boot.
If you want a more robust double buggy, consider one of the all-terrain models. They're typically twins, and are more difficult to maneuver, but they often have a reclining seat that is ideal for toddlers and infants. They're a great option for outdoor enthusiasts and active family members. Some even permit you to convert the buggy into a jogger, making them ideal for exercise and running.
A lot of the top double buggies will be able to accommodate a variety of of carrycots, seats and car seats. This makes them a great option for families with twins or siblings that are similar in age but it's worth looking over the specifications of any model you're considering to make sure it's a good fit for your needs.
There are two types of double buggy that are tandem and twin. In tandem the seats are placed behind the other. A twin buggy has one main benefit that your children are able to be together instead of fighting over who gets to sit in front. Twin buggy can be larger and make it more difficult to navigate through aisles and doors at the supermarket.
Tandem buggies tend to be a little shorter than single buggies, but are nevertheless longer. They're also less stable when bumping up kerbs, and may require dismantling to fit in your car boot. Recline-based seats are nowadays a standard feature on the majority of double buggies, so do ensure that your model will let you adjust each child's seat to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
A good double buggy should provide both parents and children plenty of comfort. Examine the padding on the straps and the amount of recline that each seat can attain. Also, verify if the seats can be adjusted separately to allow you to adapt them to your child's growth. Make sure you know the weight limit and whether both have a hood or sun canopy to protect from wind and rain.
If you're looking for a flexible alternative to a double pushchair, consider a baby carrier. They can be used for toddlers who would like to walk but need to ride in a car, and they're also great for infants and newborns. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with a car seat for even greater flexibility.
Some parents feel that a side by side double buggy is the best option. However there are some new models to choose from, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxurious in herringbone. It is the lightest double buggy side by side on the market.
The Wave tandem buggies made by Mamas & Papas are another good option. tandem double stroller offer more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's a single-pushchair, and you can then add a second or carrycot to the frame by using adaptors. This gives you the option of a variety of seating options. It is easy to navigate, has a fantastic suspension and Lab experts were impressed by how easy it was to fold. You just pull up on the two straps (one underneath each seat) and you can fold the entire thing in just a few seconds.
Buying a double buggy is a big investment, but you'll be able use it for years and also enjoy an excellent resale price. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it's best to buy an item from a reputable brand, as it will help you to secure extra accessories and upgrades in the future. For instance, a few of our top-rated double buggies come with an easy changing Bag and Carrier included in the cost. This is a must-have accessory that'll save you time and hassle on the day you need to travel with your kids.