A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy will be essential for families with more than one child. It allows you to navigate urban roads and off-road trails with ease whilst making sure that your children are comfortable and happy.
There are many things to think about when choosing a double buggy. Check that it can fit through your car boot and doorway when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to bring another child into the family however, there are a lot of practical considerations. The addition of another child to the family will require changing the layout of living spaces, thinking about car seats, and of course, investing in a brand new double buggy.
If you're looking to purchase twins or simply need something a little more compact there are plenty of excellent options that are available. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach, which comes with a set of accessories that other brands cost extra for and folds very neatly into place to occupy a tiny space in your boot. The Peach is well-balanced and is a breeze to move. It can feel a bit long when it is in double mode.
The side-by-side buggies are great for keeping kids together but they are slightly larger than the single stroller. This can make it difficult to navigate between kerbs. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm wide, is the tiniest on the market. This makes it easy to fit through doors and public transport. It's compatible with many car seats, and can grow with your family. It can be used as mono or tandem buggy after your children are old enough to be seated together.
The suspension is ideal for rough terrain, and its height-adjustable handle makes steering easy. It's a great choice for older kids, since it comes with a seat that's elevated in a stadium style, giving them a better view of the action. It's not as lightweight as other models, however it's still a great option.
It is essential to choose a double buggy that's comfortable to push. Choose a handle that is padded and well-shaped to suit your height, as well as an ample basket that has plenty of pockets and compartments. It's also worth assessing how it's simple to fold and put away your buggy when not using it.
Easy to maneuver
There are some fantastic double buggies on the market that allow you to travel with two kids 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 car seats facing forward or backward, and even a third one with a 'piggyback board' (sold separately). Its sleek, light frame, swivel wheels, and suspension make it easy to move around town and on rough terrain.
The Joie Evalite Duo is another side-by-side model that is extremely light and has a small footprint. They can be easily put away with the seats attached. smallest double buggy require more effort to push them over kerbs and aren't ideal for uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be used in tandem mode using both seats/carrycots and can be used to push one buggy. The clever frame expands widthways.
If you intend to use public transportation frequently, you may want to consider a double buggy with large wheels. These are better suited to rough or uneven surfaces. Consider how easy it will be to fold and unfold, and also the length of the buggy folded to see if it will fit into your boot. If you reside in a tiny town or village with narrow streets, consider a tandem double buggy where the child sits behind the other, instead of next to them, as this will make it easier to navigate tight spaces.
Storage is readily available
Double buggies aren't required for every family, but they can make life easier for families with toddlers and infants. Check out the side-by-side buggies for a lightweight, easy-to-steer model. They offer plenty of space underneath in the form of a spacious basket and additional side and rear pockets for all the baby necessities. Some models have handles that are adjustable that can be adjusted to suit parents of different heights. They fold up neatly into a compact size, making them ideal for use in small areas or in the boot.
All-terrain double buggys are a good option if you're looking for a more robust model. These tend to be twin and are more difficult to maneuver but they're often equipped with a reclining seat for newborns and older infants and are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some allow you to convert the buggy into a running jogger, making them ideal for running and exercise.
Many of the best double buggies can be used with a variety of combinations of car seats, carrycots and 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 specifications of any model you're considering to ensure that it will fit your requirements.
There are two kinds of double buggy which are 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 will be able to communicate instead of having to switch places or argue over who has the top place. However, double pram buggy tend to be wider and can be difficult to navigate through doorways and supermarket aisles.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly shorter, but they're still longer than single models. They are also less stable and could require dismantling in order to fit in the car boot. Most double buggies have independent seat recline that is nowadays a standard feature. Make sure your chosen model allows you to adjust the child's seat to a position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for both parents and children are the best. Check for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat is able to do and whether the seats can be independently adjusted to allow you to adjust them as your children grow. Make sure you know the weight limit and if each has a hood, or sun canopy to protect from wind and rain.
If you're looking for a flexible alternative to a double pushchair then you should consider a baby carriage. They can be used by toddlers who would like to walk but need a ride on board and they're also great for newborns and infants. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with a car seat for children to give you more flexibility.
Many parents find a side-by-side double buggy the most comfortable to navigate, but there are some unique models available, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone, which is amazingly slim and is the tiniest 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 offer more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's designed as a mono pushchair and then you can add a second seat or carrycot (and sometimes a third one) to the frame with adaptors, which gives you a wide range of seating options. It's easy to steer, is extremely stable and Lab experts really liked the ease of fold. All you have to do is pull up on two straps (one under each seat) and the whole thing folds down in a matter of seconds.
Double buggys are an investment that will last for years. They also come with a decent resale price. When making comparisons it is important to keep in mind that buying a name brand model will let you purchase additional accessories and upgrades later. The top-rated double buggies come with a useful changing Bag & Carrier in the price. This is an essential accessory that will help you save time, hassle and money when you travel with your child.