A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is essential for families with two kids. It is possible to navigate urban roads or off-road trails with ease while keeping your children safe and happy.
When selecting a double stroller, there are a lot of things to consider. Check that it can fit through the car boot and through your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second child is an exciting prospect but there are also lots of practical aspects to consider. The addition of a new child to the family can mean redesigning living spaces, rethinking the seating arrangements in vehicles and purchasing the double buggy.
There are a variety of options to choose from regardless of whether you're looking for twins or just want something narrow. Our lab experts like the iCandy Peach, which comes with a range of accessories that other brands cost extra for. It folds very neatly into place to take up a small amount of space in your boot. Testers find it rolls well and is easy to move. It can feel a bit long when used in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies work well for keeping kids together but they are a bit wider than a single stroller. This makes it difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm width is the slimmest available. This makes it easy to fit through doors and on public transportation. It's compatible with a variety of car seats and will adapt to your growing family It can also be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are ready to be seated side-by-side.
The adjustable height handle is great for steering and the suspension is able to make light work of slick surfaces. It's a great option for older kids, as it has a seat that's elevated to give them a better view of the action. It's not quite as light as other models, but it's still a great option.
You'll be pushing your double buggy often so it's crucial to select one that is comfortable to push. Look for a handle that's well-padded and shaped to match your height, as well as a large basket with many compartments and pockets. It's also worth looking into how it's easy to fold and store your buggy when you're not using it.
Easy to maneuver
There are some fantastic new double buggies out there that make getting out and about with two kids much easier. The iCandy Orange, for example is a multi-purpose choice that can be used to accommodate twins or one toddler and one baby with both seats/carrycots facing either in the direction of forward or reverse. It can also accommodate a third child using piggyback' boards (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light weight with swivel wheels and suspension make it easy to maneuver around town and on rougher terrain.
Other models with side-by-sides, like the Joie Evalite Duo are also extremely light and have a small footprint, making them easily able to be inserted into doors and on public transport, and often you can store them with seats still attached. However, they do 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 take both seats/carrycots in tandem mode, but it can also be used as a single buggy due to its unique frame that expands widthways. It also has an adjustable height handle, making it easy to steer with just one hand.
If you intend to travel by public transport a lot, consider whether you'll require a double buggy that has big wheels, as they are able to be more tolerant of rough or uneven surfaces. Also, consider the ease with which you can fold and unfold the buggy and how wide it is when folded to determine whether your car is capable of accommodating it. If you live in a small town or village with narrow roads, you should consider a double buggy that has the child is seated behind the other, instead of directly in front of them, since this makes it easier for them to navigate tight 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's easy to maneuver look into the selection of side-by-side double buggies. They come with a large basket beneath and side and rear pockets that can be used to store your baby's essentials. A lot of models come with handles that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of different heights. They also fold neatly into a compact size making them ideal for use in small areas or in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, you can choose one of the all-terrain models. These tend to be twin and are more difficult to manoeuvre but they're often equipped with a reclining seat designed for newborns and older babies and are a good option for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some even permit you to convert the buggy into a running jogger, making them ideal for running and exercise.
Many of the best double buggies are able to accommodate a variety of of carrycots, seats and car seats. This makes them an excellent option for families with twins or siblings that are similar in age but it's worth checking the specs of any model you're thinking about to ensure it's suitable for your needs.
There are two kinds of double buggy - twin, where your children sit side-by-side, and tandem, with one seat in front of the other. The primary benefit of a twin buggy is that your children will be able to communicate instead of having to take turns or fight over who has the top seat. Twin buggy can be larger and make it more difficult to navigate through aisles and doorways at the supermarket.
Tandem buggies are usually smaller however, they're still longer than single models. They're also less stable when bumping up kerbs and might require dismantling in order to fit into the car boot. Reclining the seat independently is now a fairly standard feature on most double buggies, so do ensure that the model can be adjusted by each child's seat to the position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for parents and children are the most comfortable. Check for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat can do and if the seats can be independently adjusted to allow you to adjust them as your children grow. Be sure to check the weight limits and if they come with a sun canopy or a hood to protect them from wind and rain.
If you're looking for a flexible alternative to a double pushchair then consider a baby carrier. They are great for toddlers who want to walk, but still require a ride. They are also great for infants and newborns. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with a car seat for even more flexibility.
Many parents find a side-byside double buggy to be the most convenient to navigate, but there are some truly innovative models out there like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone, which is extremely thin and is the lightest double buggy that is side-by-side on the market (it's the same size as a single stroller).
double pram and pushchair from Mamas & Papas are another smart choice. They offer more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It starts out as a single pushchair, but you can add a second seat or carrycot (and sometimes, a third) to the frame with adaptors, which gives you 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. Simply pull up on the two straps (one under each seat) and you can fold the entire thing in a matter of seconds.
The purchase of a double buggy is a big investment, but you'll be able make use of it for many years and also enjoy an excellent resale price. When comparing prices, it's important to remember that buying a brand name model will allow you to get extra accessories and upgrades later. Some of our best-rated double buggies come with a convenient Changing Bag & Carrier in the price. This is a must-have accessory that'll save you time and hassle when you have to travel with your kids.