A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy will be an essential item 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.
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting a double buggy. Be sure that it will fit through the car boot and through your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to welcome another child into the family but there are a number of practical issues to be considered. Adding another child to the family will require redesigning living spaces, rethinking car seats and, of course, purchasing a new double buggy.
There are plenty of great options to choose from, whether you're looking for twins or simply want something that is narrow. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach, which comes with a set of accessories that other brands cost extra for. It can fold up very well to occupy a tiny space in your boot. It's easy to move and it rolls well, according to testers. However, it can feel a little long when you're in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are ideal for keeping kids together but they are somewhat larger than a single stroller. This makes it difficult to maneuver through kerbs and up and down. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the tiniest side-by-side on market and, at just 63cm wide, it's the same width as a single pushchair. It's easy to pass through doors and into public transportation. It's compatible with a range of car seats and can grow with your family and can be used as a mono and tandem buggy when your children are old enough to be seated side-by-side.
The suspension is great for rough surfaces, and its adjustable height handle makes steering simple. It's an excellent choice for older kids, as it has a seat that's elevated stadium style to give them an improved view of the action. double travel stroller 's not as light as other models on this list, but it's still a nippy option.
You'll be pushing your double buggy a lot so it's important to choose one that is easy to push. Look for a handle that's well-padded and shaped to match your height, and a large basket with many compartments and pockets. When you're not using your buggy, it's worth taking a look at how it can be folded and stored.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some amazing new double buggies available that allow you to travel with two kids much easier. For instance, the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can accommodate twins (or one baby and a toddler) with both car seats facing either backward or forward and even a third seat using the 'piggyback' board (sold separately). Its light, sleek frame with swivel front wheels, swivel rear wheels and suspension makes it easy to manoeuvre around town and over rougher terrain.
Other side-by-side models such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight and have a small footprint so they're easily able to be inserted into doors and on public transport, and you can often store them with seats still attached. 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 ideal option since it can be used with both carseats or seats in tandem mode but can also be used as a single buggy due to its unique frame that expands widthways and a height-adjustable handle making it simple to steer with just one hand.
If you intend to use public transport frequently it is advisable to consider a double buggy that has big wheels. These are better for rough or uneven surfaces. Also, consider how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy, as well as how wide it is when folded to determine whether your vehicle is enough to hold it. If you live in a small town or village with narrow pavements, opt for a double buggy that has the child sits behind the other, instead of next to them, as this makes it easier to navigate narrow spaces.
Plenty of storage
Double buggies aren't required for every family, but they do make life easier for families with toddlers and infants. If you're looking for a lightweight model that is easy to steer take a look at the variety of double buggies that are side-by-side. These offer lots of space underneath in the form of a spacious basket and additional rear and side pockets for all your baby essentials. There are a variety of models that feature adjustable handles to suit parents of different heights. They also fold in a neat, compact form that is suitable to be used in tight spaces or to stow away in the boot.
If you want a more robust double buggy, try one of the all-terrain options. These are typically twins and are more difficult to maneuver however, they're usually equipped with a reclining 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 exercise.
Many of the best double buggies will be able to accommodate a variety of of seats, carrycots and car seats. They are a great option for families with twins, or siblings of similar age. However, it's important to check the specifications of any model that you're considering.
There are double travel stroller of double buggys which are tandem and twin. In tandem the seats are placed on top of the other. A twin buggy has one main advantage that your children can interact instead of fighting over who sits in front. However, twin buggys tend to be larger and can be difficult to navigate through supermarket entrances and aisles.
Tandem buggies are generally smaller however they're still more than single models. They're also less stable and could require dismantling in order to fit in your car's boot. The majority of double buggies feature independent seat recline that is nowadays a standard feature. Make sure your chosen model allows you to adjust each child's seats to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
A good double buggy should offer both children and parents plenty of comfort. Be sure to look for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat can do and whether the seats are adjustable independently so you can adapt to your child's needs as they develop. Check the weight limits too and whether both come with a sun canopy or an hood to protect them from wind and rain.
Consider a baby carrier to replace a double stroller. They are great for toddlers who want to walk, but still require a ride. They're also perfect for newborns and babies. Some carriers can be used with a car seat for children, giving you even more flexibility.
Many parents find a side-byside double buggy to be the most convenient to navigate, however there are some truly innovative models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone, which is amazingly slim and is the thinnest double buggy with a side-by-side layout on the market (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 most other tandem buggies. It is a mono-pushchair, and you can then add a second or carrycot to the frame with adaptors. This offers the option of a variety of seating options. It is easy to steer, has a great suspension and Lab experts were impressed by how easy it was fold. It is as simple as pulling up on the two straps (one under each seat) and then you can fold the whole thing in minutes.
Double buggys are an investment that will last for many years. They also come with a decent resale price. When making comparisons it's important to consider that buying a brand name model will let you purchase additional accessories and upgrades later. Some of our best-rated double buggies include a handy Changing Bag and Carrier for the price. This is an essential item that'll save you time and stress when you have to travel with your children.