A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/10/hauck-runner-black-neon-robust-all-terrain-buggy-xl-pneumatic-air-wheels-jogging-running-style-pushchair-with-raincover-10.jpg)A double buggy is an essential item for families with two children. It allows you to navigate urban pathways and off road trails with ease whilst making sure that your children are comfortable and happy.
When selecting a double stroller, there are many factors to consider. First, ensure that it can pass through your door and into your car boot when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second baby is an exciting possibility, but there are plenty of practical issues to be considered. The addition of another child to the family means changing the layout of living spaces, thinking about car seats, and of course, purchasing a new double buggy.
If you're looking for twins or simply require something smaller there are plenty of options available out there. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach because it comes with a number of accessories that other brands will charge additional fees for. It also folds very neatly to take up less space in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is a breeze to maneuver. However, it could be a bit long when you're in double mode.
Side-byside buggies can be fantastic for keeping your children together but they are typically wider than a single buggy which makes them difficult to navigate through kerbs. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the slimmest side-by-side on the market though and, at just 63cm wide, it's the same as one pushchair. It is easy to pass through doors and into public transport. It's compatible with all kinds of car seats and can expand with your family and can be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are old enough to be seated side-by-side.
Its height adjustable handle is ideal for steering and the suspension is able to make light work of slick surfaces. It's a great choice for older kids since the seat is elevated in stadium style. This allows them to have a better view of the action. It's not quite as light as other models, however it's still a great option.
It is essential to choose a double buggy that's easy to push. Choose a handle that is padded and well-shaped to suit your height, and a large basket with lots of pockets and compartments. It's also worth assessing how it's easy to fold and put away your buggy when not using it.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some incredible double buggy travel system buggies on the market that allow you to travel with two kids much easier. The iCandy Orange, for example is a multi-purpose choice that can accommodate twins or one baby and a toddler with both car seats facing forwards or backwards. It can also accommodate a third child using piggyback's board (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light weight with swivel wheels and suspension make it easy to move through the city and on rough terrain.
Other models that are side-by-side, such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight double buggy and have a compact 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. They do require more effort to push them over kerbs, and can be difficult to maneuver on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be utilized in tandem mode with both seats/carrycots however, it can also be used to push one buggy. Its clever frame can be expanded width-wise.
If you intend to travel by public transport a lot, consider whether you'll need a double buggy with big wheels as these tend to perform better on rough or uneven surfaces. Similarly, check the ease with which you can fold and unfold the buggy, as well as how wide it is when folded to see whether your vehicle is capable of accommodating it. If you live in a small town or village and have narrow roads, you should consider a tandem double buggy in which the child is seated behind the other instead of in front of them, as this makes it easier to navigate tight spaces.
Storage is plentiful and readily available
Double buggies aren't necessary for every family, but they can make outings easier for those with infants and toddlers. Look into the side-byside buggies if you're looking for a lightweight, easy-to-steer model. They provide plenty of space underneath in the form of a spacious basket and additional rear and side pockets for all the baby necessities. There are many models with adjustable handles to suit parents of different heights and fold down easily into a compact size that is suitable for tight spaces or to store away in the boot.
All-terrain double buggys are a good option if you're looking for a more robust model. They are typically twins and are more difficult to maneuver, however they usually come with a reclining seat that is perfect for babies and toddlers. They're an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active family members. Some allow you to transform the buggy into a running jogger, making them ideal for exercise and running.
A lot of the top double buggies will be able to accommodate a variety of combinations of seats, carrycots and car seats. They are an excellent choice for families with twins or siblings of similar age. But, it's important to check the specifications of any model that you're interested in.
There are two types of double buggys that are tandem and twin. In tandem the seat is placed on top of the other. The main advantage of a twin buggy is that your children will be able to communicate, rather than having to take turns or argue over who has the top place. However, twin buggys tend to be wider and can be difficult to navigate through doorways and supermarket aisles.
Tandem buggies are usually a bit shorter, but they're still longer than single models. They are also less stable and may require dismantling in order to fit into the car boot. Reclining the seat independently is now a fairly standard feature on the majority of double pushchairs buggies. So, ensure that your model allows you to adjust each child's seat to the position they're 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 can do and whether the seats can be independently adjusted to allow you to adjust to your child's needs as they develop. Make sure you know the weight limit and if both have a hood or sun canopy to protect from wind and rain.
If you're looking for an adaptable alternative to a double pushchair then think about a baby carrier. They are ideal for toddlers who want to walk, but still need the comfort of a ride. They're also perfect for babies and newborns. Some carriers can be paired with the car seat for more flexibility.
Many parents consider a side-by-side double buggy to be the most convenient to use, but there are some unique models available, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone, which is extremely slim and is the tiniest side-by-side double buggy available (it's the same width as a single stroller).
The Wave from Mamas & Papas is another clever choice that offers more configuration options than most other tandem buggies. It starts as a mono-pushchair and you can add a second or carrycot to the frame with adaptors. This gives you the option of a variety of seating options. It's smooth to steer and has an excellent suspension and Lab experts really liked how easy it was to fold. All you have to do is pull the straps up (one under each seat) and the entire unit folds in a matter of minutes.
A double buggy is an investment, but you'll be able to keep it for a long time and also have an acceptable resale value. When making comparisons it is important to keep in mind that buying a brand name model will let you purchase additional accessories and upgrades later. For example, some of our top-rated double buggies come with a handy changing Bag and Carrier included in the cost. This is an essential accessory that will help you save time and stress when you have to travel with your children.