A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is essential for families with two kids. It can help you navigate urban pathways and off road trails with ease while keeping the kids comfortable and content.
When selecting a double stroller, there are numerous factors to consider. Make sure it fits into your car boot and your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
It's thrilling to welcome the second child home however, there are a lot of practical aspects to consider. The addition of a 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 to purchase twins or just require something smaller, there are lots of great options on the market. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach because it comes with a range of accessories that other brands will charge extra for. It also folds very neatly to make it easier to store in your boot. It's simple to maneuver and moves well, according to the test subjects. However, it may be a bit long when you're in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are great to keep your kids together but they are typically bigger than a single buggy, which can make them difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm width is the tiniest available available. It is easy to pass through doors and onto public transportation. It is compatible with a variety of car seats and can expand with your family. You can use it as a mono or tandem buggy after your children are old enough to be seated together.
The suspension is ideal for rough surfaces, and the adjustable height handle makes steering simple. It's a great choice for older kids because the seat is elevated in stadium style. This gives them a better perspective of the action. It's not as light than other models, but it's still an excellent choice.
You'll be pushing your double buggy often so it's important to choose a model that feels easy to push. Look for a handle with a padded grip that is shaped to your height. Also, a large basket with lots of pockets and compartments. It's also worth looking into how it's easy to fold and put away your buggy when not using it.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some amazing new double buggies available that make going out and about with two kids much more enjoyable. The iCandy Orange, for example is a multi-purpose model that can accommodate twins or one baby and a toddler with both carrycots/seats facing forward or backwards. It can also accommodate a third kid using piggyback's board (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light frame with swivel wheels and suspension make it easy to maneuver in the city and over rougher terrain.
Other models with side-by-sides, like the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight and have a small footprint, making them easily able to be inserted into doors and on public transport and often you can put them away with the seats still attached. However, they require some muscle to push over kerbs and can be more challenging on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another ideal option since it can accommodate both carrycots and seats in tandem mode but can also be used as a single buggy due to its unique frame that expands widthways and a height-adjustable handle making it really simple to steer with just one hand.
If you intend to use public transportation frequently, think about whether you'll need a double buggy with big wheels since they tend to cope better with uneven or rough surfaces. Also, consider the ease with which you can fold and unfold the buggy as well as the width when folded to see whether your car is able to accommodate it. If you reside in an area with narrow streets, consider a tandem double stroller in which the child is placed behind their partner, instead of sitting beside them. This will make it easier to maneuver around tight spaces.
Lots of storage
Double buggies aren't necessary for every family, but they can make life easier for families with infants and toddlers. Check out the side-by-side buggies if you're looking for an easy-to-drive, lightweight model. These have a large basket beneath as well as side and rear pockets to keep all the necessities for your baby. Some models have handles that are adjustable that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of different heights. They can also fold into a compact size which makes them perfect for small spaces or in the boot.
All-terrain double buggys are a good option if you're looking for a more robust model. These are usually twins and more difficult to maneuver, but they often come with a reclined seat that is ideal for toddlers and infants. They are a great choice for those who love the outdoors and active family members. Some models can be transformed into joggers, which makes them ideal for running or exercise.
Many of the best double buggies are able to accommodate a wide range 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 specs of any model you're considering to ensure that it will fit your requirements.
There are two kinds of double buggy that are tandem and twin. In tandem the seat is placed on top of the other. A twin buggy has the main advantage that children can interact instead of fighting over who sits in the front. Twin buggys can be wider and more difficult to maneuver through doorways and aisles in the supermarket.
Tandem buggies tend to be a little shorter than single buggies, but are still longer. They're also less stable when bouncing up kerbs and may need dismantling to fit in your car's boot. The majority of double buggies come with an recline for the seat independently that is nowadays an option that is standard. Be most compact double stroller that the model has the ability to adjust each child's seats to the position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
A well-designed double buggy should provide both parents and children plenty of comfort. Be sure to look for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat can do and if the seats are independently adjustable so that you can adjust to your child's needs as they develop. Be sure to check the weight limit and if they both have a hood or sun canopy to shield from rain and wind.
If you're looking for a versatile alternative to a double pushchair then consider a baby carrier. They are ideal for toddlers that want to walk, but still need the comfort of a ride. They're also perfect for infants and newborns. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with a car seat to give more flexibility.
Many parents find a side-byside double buggy to be the most convenient to use, but there are some unique models out there like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone that is incredibly thin and is the lightest double buggy with a side-by-side layout on the market (it's the same size as a single stroller).
The Wave tandem buggies made by Mamas & Papas are another excellent choice. They provide more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It starts out as an uni-pedestrian pushchair. Later, you can add an additional seat or carrycot (and sometimes a third one) to the frame by using adaptors, giving you an array of seating arrangements. It is easy to control, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts were impressed by how easy it was 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.
Buying 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 making comparisons it is important to keep in mind that buying a name brand model will allow you to get extra accessories and upgrades later. For instance, many of our top-rated double buggies come with a handy Changing Bag and Carrier included in the price. This is an essential accessory that will help you save time and effort on the day you need to travel with your children.