A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy will be a necessity for families with more than one child. It can help you navigate urban roads and off road trails with ease while keeping the kids comfortable and happy.
When selecting a double stroller, there are many factors to consider. Check that it can fit through your car boot and your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to welcome another child into the family, but there are many practical aspects to consider. Adding another child to the family can mean redesigning living spaces, rethinking car seats and, of course, investing in the latest double buggy.
If you're looking for twins or need something a little more compact there are plenty of options available out there. Our experts at the lab recommend iCandy Peach because it comes with a variety of accessories that competitors will charge additional fees for. It also folds in a neat way to take up less space in your boot. It is easy to move and it rolls well, as per the test subjects. It can feel a bit long when it is in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies can be great for keeping your children in a single place but they tend to be wider 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, and at 63cm, it's the same width as the single pushchair. It's easy to pass through doors and into public transportation. It is compatible with many car seats, and can grow with your family. It can be used as a mono or tandem buggy after your children are old enough to sit together.
The suspension is great for rough terrain, and its height-adjustable handle makes steering easy. It's an excellent choice for older kids, since it has a seat that's elevated to give them an improved view of the action. It's not as light as other models on this list, but it's still a nippy choice.
It's crucial to select a double buggy that is comfortable to push. Look for a handle that's comfortable and well-shaped to fit your height, as well as an ample basket that has many compartments and pockets. If you're not using your buggy, it's worth checking how easily it folds up and put away.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some incredible new double buggies that allow two children to travel much more convenient. For instance, the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can carry twins (or one baby and a toddler) with both car seats facing forward or backward, and even a third one with a 'piggyback board' (sold separately). Its sleek, light frame with swivel wheels on the front and suspension make it easy to manoeuvre through the city and over rough terrain.
The Joie Evalite Duo is another side-by-side model that's incredibly light and has a compact footprint. They can be easily moved around with the seats on. However, they require a bit more muscle to push them over kerbs and can be more challenging on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another excellent option as it can be used with both carseats or seats in tandem, but can also be used as a single buggy thanks to its clever frame that expands widthways. It also has a height adjustable handle making it easy to steer with just one hand.
If you're planning to travel by public transport a lot, consider whether you're going to need a double buggy with big wheels as these tend to be more tolerant of rough or uneven surfaces. Check how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy, as well as the size of the buggy folded to determine if it's going to fit into your boot. If you live in an area with narrow streets, consider a tandem double stroller where the child is placed behind their companion, instead of behind them. This makes it easier to maneuver in narrow spaces.
Storage is readily available
Double buggies aren't necessary for every family, but they do help with outings for families with infants and toddlers. Take double stroller with car seat pushchairsandprams.uk at the side-by-side buggies for a lightweight, easy-to-steer model. These have a large basket under as well as side and rear pockets that can be used to store the necessities for your baby. There are a variety of models with adjustable handles that are suited to parents of different heights and fold down easily into a compact size that is suitable for tight spaces or to stow away in the boot.
All-terrain double strollers are a great option if you're seeking a more durable model. These are usually twins, and are more difficult to maneuver, but they often come with a reclining seat that is great for toddlers and babies. They're an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active family members. Some allow you to transform the buggy into running jogger, making them ideal for exercise and running.
Many of the best double buggies are able to accommodate various combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats. They are a great choice for families with twins, or siblings of similar age. But, it's essential to verify the specifications of any model you're considering.
There are two kinds of double buggy - twin that is where your children sit together, or tandem, where one seat is in front of the other. A twin buggy has one main benefit that your children are able to be together instead of fighting over who sits in front. Twin buggy can be larger and make it more difficult to navigate through aisles and doorways in the supermarket.
Tandem buggies are usually smaller, but they're still longer than single models. They're also less stable when bouncing up kerbs and may need dismantling in order to fit into your car's boot. Most double buggies have recline for the seat independently and recline, which is nowadays an option that is standard. Make sure your chosen model can be adjusted by the child's seat to a position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
A quality double buggy will offer both children and parents plenty of comfort. Check for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat is able to do and if the seats are independently adjustable so you can adapt them as your children grow. Be sure to check the weight limits and whether they both have a sun canopy as well as an hood to protect the seats from rain and wind.
Consider a baby carrier to replace a double stroller. They are suitable for toddlers who want 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 child car seat to give you more flexibility.
Many parents find a side-byside double buggy to be the most convenient to navigate, however there are also some innovative models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone that is incredibly thin and is the lightest double buggy with a side-by-side layout available (it's the same width as a single stroller).
The Wave from Mamas & Papas is another smart choice that gives you more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's a single-pushchair and you can add a second or carrycot to the frame with adaptors. This provides you with the option of a variety of seating options. It is easy to control, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts were impressed by 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 entire thing in just a few just a few seconds.
The purchase of a double buggy is an investment but you'll be able make use of it for many years and also enjoy an excellent resale price. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it's best to purchase a brand-name model as this will allow you to acquire extra accessories and upgrades in the future. For instance, many of our top-rated double buggies come with an easy changing Bag and Carrier included in the cost. This is an essential item that will help you save time and stress on the day you need to travel with your kids.