A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is an essential item for families with two children. It will enable you to navigate urban roads and off road trails with ease whilst keeping your kids safe and content.
There are many things to take into consideration when selecting a double buggy. First, make sure it can fit through your door and into your car boot when folded.
Lightweight
It's thrilling to welcome home a second child however, there are a lot of practical issues to be considered. The addition of a new child to the family can mean redesigning living spaces, rethinking car seats and purchasing an extra buggy.
There are plenty of great options to choose from depending on whether you're looking to purchase twins or want something narrow. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach because it comes with a range of accessories that rival brands will charge additional fees for. It also folds up in a neat way to take up less space in your boot. The Peach is well-balanced and is easy to move. However, it can seem a bit long if you're in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are ideal for keeping children together however they can be somewhat larger than one stroller. This can make it difficult to move through kerbs and up and down. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the slimmest side-by-side on the market though and, at 63cm, it's the same width as a single pushchair. It is easy to get through doors and into public transportation. It's compatible with all kinds of car seats and will expand with your family It can also be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are old enough to sit side-by-side.
Its 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 kids, since it comes with a seat that's elevated to give them an improved view of the action. It's not as light as other models, however it's still a great choice.
You'll be pushing your double buggy a lot so it's crucial to select one that is easy to push. Look for a handle that's well-padded and shaped to match your height, as well as an ample basket that has plenty of compartments and pockets. If you're not using your buggy, you should consider taking a look at how it folds and can be put away.
Easy to maneuver
There are some fantastic new double buggies out there that make getting out and about with two children much easier. The iCandy Orange, for example is a multi-purpose model that can be used to accommodate twins or one toddler and one baby with both car seats facing forwards or backwards. It can also accommodate a third child using piggyback' boards (sold separately). Its light, sleek frame with swivel front wheels, swivel rear wheels and suspension make it easy to manoeuvre around town and over rough terrain.
Other side-by-side models such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight and have a compact footprint so they're easily able to be inserted into doors and on public transport, and you can usually store them with seats still in place. However, they do require a bit more muscle to push over kerbs and can be trickier on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another ideal option since it can be used with both carseats or seats in tandem, but can also be used as a single buggy due to its clever frame that expands widthways and a height adjustable handle making it really simple to steer with just one hand.
If you intend to use public transportation often, think about whether you'll require a double buggy with large wheels as these tend to perform better on rough or uneven surfaces. Find out how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy, as well as the size of the buggy once folded to determine if it can fit into your boot. If you live in an area with narrow streets, choose a tandem double stroller where the child is placed behind their partner instead of sitting beside them. This will make it easier to maneuver around tight spaces.
Storage is available in abundance
A double buggy isn't a necessity for all families however it makes outings more manageable for families with toddlers and newborns. Take a look at the side-by-side buggies for an easy-to-steer, lightweight model. They provide plenty of space under in the form of a large basket and additional side and rear pockets for all your baby essentials. A lot of models come with handles that can be adjusted to suit parents of different heights. They fold up neatly to a compact form 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 options. They are usually twins and can be more difficult to maneuver however, they're usually equipped with a reclining seat for infants and older children and are a good choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some models can be converted into joggers, making them perfect for running or exercising.
A lot of the top double buggies can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, car seats and seats. They are a great option for families with twins or siblings with similar ages. But, it's important to check the specifications of any model that you are interested in.
There are two primary kinds of double buggy - twin, where your children sit side-by-side, and tandem, where one seat is placed in front of the other. The main advantage of a twin buggy is that your children will be able to communicate without having to rotate or fight over who has the top seat. Twin buggys are often wider and more difficult to navigate through aisles and doorways at the supermarket.
Tandem buggies tend to be slightly shorter however, they're still longer than single models. They are also less stable and could require dismantling to fit into the car boot. Most double buggies have recline for the seat independently and recline, which is nowadays an option that is standard. Make sure your chosen model has the ability to adjust each child's seat to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
A quality double buggy will provide both parents and children plenty of comfort. Check for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat is able to do and if the seats are independently adjustable so that you can adjust to your child's needs as they grow. Check the weight limit and whether both have a hood or sun canopy to protect from rain and wind.
If you're looking for a flexible alternative to a double pushchair then think about a baby carrier. They are ideal for toddlers that want to walk, but still require the comfort of a ride. They are also great for newborns and babies. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with a car seat for children, giving you even more flexibility.
Some parents feel that a side-by-side double buggy is the best option. However there are a few innovative models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxurious in herringbone. It is the tiniest double buggy side by side available on the market.
The Wave tandem buggies made by Mamas & Papas are another good option. https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/categories/double-pushchairs provide more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It starts as a mono-pushchair and you can add a carrycot to the frame with adaptors. This provides you with the option of a variety of seating options. It is easy to control, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts were impressed by how easy it was fold. You just pull up on the two straps (one underneath each seat) and then you can fold the entire thing in just a few seconds.
Double buggys are an investment that will last for many years. They also have a good resale cost. When looking at prices it's important to consider that purchasing a reputable model will allow you to purchase additional accessories and upgrades later. For example, some of our top-rated double buggies come with a convenient changing Bag and Carrier included in the price. This is a must-have item that will save you time, effort and money when traveling with your child.