A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is essential for families with two kids. You can travel through urban streets or off-road trails easily while keeping your kids comfortable and content.
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting a double buggy. Check that it can fit into your car boot and your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
The prospect of bringing a second child home is an exciting prospect but there are plenty of practical aspects to consider. Adding another child to the family will require changing the layout of living spaces, thinking about car seats and, of course, buying a brand new double buggy.
There are many great alternatives available regardless of whether you're looking for twins or simply need something a bit smaller. Our experts at the lab recommend 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 is easy to move and it rolls well, as per testers. However, it may be a bit long when you're using it in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are ideal to keep children in a single space however they can be slightly larger than a single stroller. This can make it difficult to navigate through kerbs and up and down. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm wide, is the tiniest available available. This allows it to be easily pushed through doors and public transport. It is compatible with many car seats, and it can expand with your family. It can be used as mono or tandem buggy when your children are old enough to be seated together.
double pram and pushchair is ideal for steering and the suspension can take care of slick surfaces. It's a great choice for older children, since it comes with a seat that's elevated stadium style to give them an even better view of the action. It's not as light as some other models in this list but it's still a good choice.
It's important that you choose a double buggy that's easy to push. Look for a handle that's well-padded and shaped to match your height, and a spacious basket with plenty of compartments and pockets. If you're not using your buggy, you should consider checking how easily it can be folded and put away.
Easy to maneuver
There are some fantastic double buggies on the market that make traveling with two kids much simpler. For example the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can be used to carry twins (or one baby and a toddler) with both carrycots or seats facing forward or backward, and even a third seat using piggyback boards (sold separately). Its light, sleek frame with swivel wheels on the front and suspension makes it easy to maneuver through the city and over rough terrain.
Other models with side-by-sides, like the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight and have a compact footprint so they're easily able to be inserted into doors and on public transport and often you can put them away with the seats still in place. However, they need some muscle to push over kerbs and are more difficult to maneuver 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 stroller thanks to its clever frame that expands widthways. It also has a height-adjustable handle making it simple to steer with just one hand.
If you plan to travel by public transport a lot, consider whether you're going to need a double buggy that has big wheels since they tend to be more tolerant of rough or uneven surfaces. Also, consider how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy and how wide it is when folded to see if your boot will be enough to hold it. If you reside in a small town or village with narrow pavements, opt for a double buggy that has the child is seated behind the other instead of sitting in front of them, as this makes it easier for them to navigate tight spaces.
Storage is plentiful and readily available
A double buggy isn't essential for every family however it makes outings more manageable for those with toddlers and newborns. If you're looking for a light model that's easy to maneuver, check out the range of double buggies that are side-by-side. These have a large basket underneath and a rear and side pockets to store all the essentials for your baby. There are many models with adjustable handles that are suited to parents of different heights. They fold in a neat, compact form ideal to be used in tight spaces or to store away in the boot.
All-terrain double strollers are a good option if you're looking for a stronger model. These are typically twins and are more difficult to maneuver, but they'll often come with a reclined seat for infants and older children, and are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Certain models can be converted into joggers, which makes them ideal for running or exercising.
A lot of the top double buggies are able to accommodate a wide range of combinations of seats, carrycots, and car seats. They are an excellent choice for families with twins, or siblings of similar ages. However, it's crucial to look up the specifications of any model you're interested in.
There are two types of double buggys: tandem and twin. In tandem the seat is placed on top of the other. The primary benefit of a twin buggy is that your children can interact, rather than having to rotate or fight over who gets the best spot. Twin buggy can be larger and more difficult to navigate through aisles and doors at the supermarket.
Tandem buggies are usually smaller, but they're still longer than single models. They're also less stable when going up kerbs and may need dismantling to fit in your car's boot. The majority of double buggies feature recline for the seat independently that is nowadays a standard feature. Be sure that the model has the ability to adjust each child's seat to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for both parents and children are the best. Look out for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat is able to do and whether the seats are adjustable independently to allow you to adjust them as your children grow. Also, check the weight limit and whether they both have a sun canopy as well as an hood to protect the seats from rain and wind.
Consider the use of 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 newborns and infants. Some carriers can be used with a car seat for even more flexibility.
Some parents believe that a side by side double buggy is the most practical option. However there are some new models to choose from, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxurious in herringbone. It is the tiniest double buggy side by side on the market.
The Wave tandem buggies made by Mamas & Papas are another good option. They offer more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's initially a mono pushchair and then you can add an additional seat or carrycot (and sometimes, a third) to the frame with adaptors, giving you the option of a variety of seating options. It's easy to steer, has a great suspension, and Lab experts loved the ease with which it is to fold: You simply pull up on two straps (one under each seat) and the whole thing folds down in a matter of seconds.
A double buggy is an investment, but you'll be able to keep it for a long time and will also get an acceptable resale value. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it's best to buy an established brand as this will allow you to get more accessories and upgrades in the future. Some of our best-rated double buggies include a handy Changing Bag & Carrier in the price. This is an essential item that will help you save time and stress on the day you need to travel with your children.