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. You can navigate urban pathways or
off road double buggy-road trails easily while keeping your children safe and happy.
There are many things to think about when choosing a double buggy. First, ensure that it can fit through your doorway and into the car boot when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to bring another child into the family but there are a number of practical issues to be considered. Adding another child to the family can mean redesigning living spaces, rethinking car seats, and of course, investing in a new double buggy.
There are plenty of great options to choose from regardless of whether you're looking for twins or need something a bit smaller. Our experts at the lab recommend iCandy Peach because it comes with a number of accessories that rival brands will cost extra for. It also folds in a neat way to make it easier to store in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is easy to move. However, it can feel a little long when you're in
double infant strollers mode.
Side-by-side buggies work well for keeping kids together however they can be a bit wider than the single stroller. This can make it difficult to navigate through kerbs and up and down. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the slimmest side-by-side on the market, and at just 63cm wide, it's the same width as the single pushchair. This makes it easy to fit through doors and on public transport. It's compatible with all kinds of car seats and will adapt to your growing family and can be used as a mono and tandem buggy when your children are ready to be seated side-by-side.
The height-adjustable handle is ideal for steering, and the suspension is able to make light work of rough surfaces. It's a great option for older children, since it has a seat that's elevated stadium style to give them an improved view of the action. It's not as light as some other models on this list, but it's still a good option.
You'll be pushing your double buggy a lot so it's crucial to select an item that is at ease to push. Look for a handle that's comfortable and well-shaped to fit your height, and an ample basket that has many pockets and compartments. It's also worth assessing how easy it is to fold and store your buggy when you're not using it.
Easy to maneuver
There are some amazing new double buggies available that allow you to travel with two children much easier. For instance, the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can carry twins (or one baby and a toddler) with both carrycots or seats facing either backward or forward and even a third one with piggyback boards (sold separately). Its sleek, light frame with swivel front wheels, swivel rear wheels and suspension ensure it's 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 over kerbs and are more difficult to maneuver on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another excellent option as it can be used with both carseats or seats in tandem mode but can also be used as a single buggy thanks to its unique frame that expands widthways and a height-adjustable handle making it really easy to steer with just one hand.
If you plan to use public transport frequently, think about whether you'll require a double buggy with large wheels, as they are able to cope better with uneven or rough surfaces. Additionally, take note of the ease with which you can fold and unfold the buggy as well as the width when folded to determine whether your car is enough to hold it. If you live in a small town or village with narrow streets, consider a tandem double buggy in which the child is seated behind the other instead of sitting in front of them, as this makes it easier to navigate narrow spaces.
Plenty of storage
A double buggy isn't necessary for every family however it can make outings easier for those with toddlers or newborns. Take a look at the side-by-side buggies for a lightweight, easy-to-steer model. These have a large basket underneath and a rear and side pockets to store all your baby's essentials. A lot of models come with handles that can be adjusted to suit parents of different heights. They fold up neatly into a compact size which makes them perfect for small spaces or in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, try one of the
All Terrain Double Stroller-terrain models. These are typically twins and are more difficult to maneuver but they're often equipped with a reclining seat for infants and older children, and are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some models can be transformed into joggers, making them perfect for running or exercising.
Many of the best double buggies are able to accommodate a variety of combinations of carrycots, car seats and seats. This makes them a great option for families with twins or children who are similar in age, but it's worth checking the specs of any model you're considering to make sure it will fit your requirements.
There are two primary types of double buggy - twin, where your children sit side-by-side, and tandem, where one seat is placed in front of the other. The primary benefit of a
twin pushchair buggy is that your children can interact instead of having to switch places or fight over who gets the prime seat. Twin buggys are often wider and can be more difficult to maneuver through doorways and aisles at the grocery store.
Tandem buggies are usually a little shorter than single buggies, but are nonetheless longer. They're also less stable when going up kerbs and may need dismantling to fit in your car's boot. Independent seat recline is nowadays a standard feature on most
double running stroller buggies, so do ensure that your model will let you adjust each child's seat to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for parents and children are the best. Make sure you check the padding on the straps as well as the amount of recline that each seat can attain. Also, make sure that the seats can be adjusted independently so you can adjust the seat to your child's size. 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 can be used by toddlers who want to walk but need a ride on board and they're also great for newborns and infants. Some carriers can be used with a child car seat to give you even more flexibility.
Many parents find a side-byside double buggy the easiest option to navigate, however there are also some innovative models available, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone that is incredibly slim and is the thinnest side-by-side double buggy on the market (it's the same size as a single stroller).
The Wave from Mamas & Papas is another smart choice that gives you more configuration options than most other tandem buggies. It's initially a single pushchair, but you can add a second seat or carrycot (and sometimes, a third) to the frame by using adaptors, which gives you a wide range of seating options. 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 underneath each seat) and you can collapse the entire thing in just a few just a few seconds.
Buying a double buggy is an investment, but you'll be able make use of it for many years and will also get an acceptable resale value. When making comparisons it's important to consider that buying a brand name model can allow you to acquire additional accessories and upgrades later on. For instance, many of our top-rated double buggies come with a convenient changing Bag and Carrier included in the price. This is an essential accessory that will save you time, effort and money when traveling with your baby.