A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is a must-have for families with two children. You can navigate urban pathways or off-road trails with ease while keeping your children comfortable and happy.
There are many things to take into consideration when selecting a double buggy. Firstly, check that it will fit through your doorway and into the car boot when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to bring home a second child but there are a number of practical issues to be considered. Adding another child to the family will require reorganising living spaces, rethinking car seats and, of course, investing in a brand new double buggy.
If you're looking for twins or simply need something a little more compact there are plenty of excellent options on the market. Our experts from the lab recommend the iCandy Peach because it comes with a number of accessories that other brands will charge additional fees for. It also folds extremely neatly to make it easier to store in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is easy to maneuver. However, it may seem a bit long if you're using it in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies work well for keeping children together, but they can be a bit wider than one stroller. This makes it difficult to maneuver 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 as one pushchair. It is easy to get through doors and into public transportation. It's compatible with a variety of car seats and can adapt to your growing family and can be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are ready to sit side-by-side.
The suspension is ideal for rough terrain, and its adjustable height makes steering a breeze. It's great 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 quite as light as other models, however it's still an excellent choice.
You'll be pushing your double buggy frequently, so it's essential to select one that is easy to push. Choose a handle that has padding and a grip shaped to your height. Also, a large basket with many compartments and pockets. It's also worth checking how easy it is to fold and store your buggy when you're not using it.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some incredible double buggies on the market that allow you to travel with two kids much easier. For instance, the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can accommodate twins (or one baby and a toddler) with both carrycots or seats facing either backward or forward and even a third seat with piggyback boards (sold separately). Its sleek, light frame, swivel front wheels and suspension ensure it's easy to maneuver through the city and over rougher terrain.
The Joie Evalite Duo is another side-by-side model that is extremely light and has a compact footprint. They can be easily put away with the seats attached. They 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 due to its clever frame that expands widthways and an adjustable height handle, making it easy to steer with only one hand.
If you are planning to use public transport often you might want to consider a double-buggy that has large wheels. They are more for rough or uneven surfaces. Find out the ease to fold and unfold, as well as the size of the buggy folded to determine if it's going to fit in your boot. If you reside in an area that has narrow streets, choose a tandem double stroller where the child is placed behind their partner rather than behind them. double pram and pushchair makes it easier to maneuver around tight spaces.
Lots of storage
A double buggy isn't necessary for all families, but it can make outings more manageable for those with toddlers or newborns. If you're looking for a lightweight model that is easy to steer look into the selection of side-by-side double buggies. They come with a large basket underneath and side and rear pockets to keep all your baby's essentials. There are many models with adjustable handles to suit parents of different heights and fold down neatly into a compact shape ideal for use in tight spaces or to stow away in the boot.
If you want a more robust double buggy, you can choose one of the all-terrain models. They are usually twins and can be more difficult to maneuver however, they're usually equipped with a reclining seat designed for newborns and older babies and are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts as well as active families. Some of them permit you to transform the buggy into a Jogger, which makes them perfect for running and exercise.
Many of the best 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 similar in age, however, it's important to check the specifications of any model you're thinking about to ensure it's suitable for your needs.
There are two kinds of double buggy that are tandem and twin. In tandem the seats are placed on top of the other. The main advantage of twin buggy is that your children will be able to communicate without having to rotate or fight over who gets the prime place. However, twins are usually wider and can be difficult to navigate through the supermarket's doorways and aisles.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly shorter, but they're still longer than single models. They are also less stable and could require dismantling to fit in your car's boot. Recline-based seats are nowadays a standard feature on a lot of 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 good double buggy should give both parents and children plenty of comfort. Look out for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat is able to do and whether the seats can be independently adjusted so you can adapt to your child's needs as they develop. Be sure to check the weight limit and whether both have a hood or sun canopy to shield from wind and rain.
If you're looking for a versatile alternative to a double pushchair, you should consider a baby carriage. They are great for toddlers that want to walk, but still need the comfort of a ride. They're also ideal for infants and newborns. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with a car seat for even more flexibility.
Some parents feel that a side by side double buggy is the best option. However there are a few innovative models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxurious in herringbone. It is the thinnest double buggy side by side on the market.
double pram and pushchair from Mamas & Papas are another smart choice. They offer more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It starts as a mono-pushchair and you can add a carrycot or a second one to the frame by using adaptors. This offers an array of seating options. It is easy to navigate, has a fantastic suspension and Lab experts loved how easy it was to fold. It is as simple as pulling up on the two straps (one under each seat) and then you can fold the whole thing in just a few seconds.
A double buggy is an investment, but you'll be able to keep it for a long time and also enjoy an acceptable resale value. When looking at prices it's important to consider that purchasing a reputable model will allow you to purchase additional accessories and upgrades later on. For instance, a few of our top-rated double buggies come with a handy Changing Bag and Carrier included in the cost. This is an essential accessory that'll save you time and hassle on the day you need to travel with your babies.