A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is an essential item for families with more than one child. It is possible to navigate urban roads or off-road trails without difficulty while keeping your children comfortable and happy.
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting a double buggy. First, make sure it can fit through your doorway and into the car boot when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second baby is an exciting possibility, but there are plenty of practical issues to be considered. Addition of a second child to the family will require redesigning living spaces, rethinking the seating arrangements in vehicles and purchasing an extra buggy.
There are plenty of great alternatives available, whether you're looking for twins or simply want something narrow. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach, which comes with a range of accessories that competitors charge extra for and folds very neatly into place to take up little space in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is easy to move. However, it can feel a little long when you're in double mode.
The side-by-side buggies are great for keeping kids together but they are a bit wider than the single stroller. This makes it difficult to navigate through kerbs and up and down. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm width is the slimmest on the market. This makes it easy to fit through doors and on public transport. Get the facts is compatible with many car seats, and can grow with your family. It can be used as a tandem or mono buggy once your children are old enough to sit together.
The suspension is excellent for rough terrain, and its height-adjustable handle makes steering easy. It's an excellent choice for older kids, as it has a seat that's elevated in a stadium style, giving them a better view of the action. It's not quite as light as other models, however it's still a great choice.
You'll be pushing your double buggy often so it's crucial to choose an item that is at ease to push. Find a handle with a cushioned grip that is made to fit your height. Also, consider a big basket with lots of compartments and pockets. It's also worth checking how it's simple to fold and put away your buggy when not using it.
Easy to manoeuvre
There are some amazing double buggies on the market that make traveling with two kids much more convenient. The iCandy Orange, for example is a multi-purpose choice 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 with a piggyback' board (sold separately). Its sleek, light frame with swivel wheels and suspension make it easy to move around town and on rougher terrain.
Other models that are side-by-side, such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also extremely light and have a compact footprint, which makes them easy to slide through doors and on public transport and often you can put them away with the seats still attached. They require more effort to push them over kerbs, and they can be tricky on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be used in tandem mode using both seats/carrycots however, it can also be used to push one buggy. Its innovative frame can be expanded width-wise.
If you plan on using public transport often, you may want to consider a double-buggy with large wheels. They are more for rough or uneven surfaces. Similarly, check how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy as well as how wide it is when folded to determine whether your car is enough to hold it. If you reside in an area with narrow streets, you should consider a tandem double stroller in which the child is seated behind their partner, instead of in front of them. This makes it easier to maneuver around tight spaces.
A lot of storage
A double buggy isn't essential for every family however it makes outings more manageable for families with toddlers and newborns. Look into the side-byside buggies for a lightweight, easy-to-steer model. They provide plenty of space underneath in the form of a deep basket as well as rear and side pockets to store all the baby necessities. There are many models with adjustable handles that are suited to parents of different heights. They fold down easily into a compact size that is suitable for tight spaces or to stow away in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, try one of the all-terrain options. They are usually twins and can be more difficult to manoeuvre, but they'll often come with a reclining seat for newborns and older babies, and are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts as well as active families. Some models can be converted into Joggers, making them ideal for running or exercise.
Many of the best double buggies can be used with various combinations of carrycots, car seats and seats. They are an excellent choice for families with twins or siblings of similar age. But, it's crucial to look up the specifications of any model that you're interested in.
There are two types of double buggy: tandem and twin. In tandem the seats are placed in front of the next. A twin buggy has one main benefit that your children are able to be together instead of fighting over who sits in front. However, twin buggys tend to be larger and may be difficult to navigate through supermarket entrances and aisles.
Tandem buggies tend to be slightly shorter than single models, but are nevertheless longer. They are also less stable and could require dismantling to fit into the car boot. The majority of double buggies feature recline that is independent, which is now an option that is standard. Be sure that the model allows you to adjust the child's seat to a position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
A quality double buggy will give both parents and children plenty of comfort. Look out for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat can achieve and if the seats are adjustable independently to allow you to adjust to your child's needs as they grow. Check the weight limit and whether they both have a hood or sun canopy to shield from rain and wind.
Consider the use of a baby carrier to replace a double stroller. They are ideal for toddlers who want to walk but need the comfort of a ride. They're also perfect for newborns and babies. Some carriers can also be used with a child car seat to give you more flexibility.
Some parents find that a side-by-side double buggy is the best option. However, there are some innovative models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone. It is the lightest double buggy side by side on the market.
The Wave from Mamas & Papas is another smart choice that gives you more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's designed as a mono pushchair and then you can add an additional seat or carrycot (and sometimes, a third) to the frame by using adaptors, allowing you to have a wide range of seating options. It is easy to steer, has a great 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 just a few seconds.
Double buggys are an investment that will last for many years. They also have a good resale cost. When comparing prices it's important to consider that purchasing a reputable model will let you get extra accessories and upgrades later on. For example, some of our top-rated double buggies come with an easy changing Bag and Carrier included in the price. This is a must-have item that will save you time, hassle and money when traveling with your child.