A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is essential for families with more than one child. It is possible to navigate urban roads or off-road trails easily while keeping your children comfortable and happy.
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a double buggy. Be sure that it will fit through the car boot and doorway when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second child is a thrilling prospect, but there are plenty of practical aspects to consider. The addition of a second child to the family will require rearranging living spaces, rethinking car seats and acquiring the double buggy.
Whether you're shopping for twins or just want something narrow there are plenty of excellent options out there. Our lab experts love the iCandy Peach, which comes with a range of accessories that rival brands cost extra for and can fold up very well to take up little space in your boot. It's simple to maneuver and moves well, according to testers. However, it can feel a little long when you're in double mode.
The side-by-side buggies are great for keeping kids together but they are slightly larger than one stroller. This makes it difficult to maneuver through kerbs and up and down. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the slimmest side-by-side available on the market though and, at just 63cm wide, it's the same as the single pushchair. This allows it to be easily pushed through doors and on public transport. It's compatible with all kinds of car seats and can grow with your family - it can be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are ready to be seated side-by-side.
The adjustable height handle is ideal 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 in a stadium style, giving them an even better view of the action. It's not quite as light as other models, however it's still a great choice.
It's crucial to select a double buggy that's comfortable to push. Look for a handle with a cushioned grip that is designed to fit your height. Also, look for a large basket with lots of pockets and compartments. It's also worth looking into how it's easy to fold and put away your buggy when not using it.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some fantastic double buggies on the market that make traveling with two kids much more convenient. The iCandy Orange, for example, is a multi-purpose option that can be used to accommodate twins or one toddler and a baby with both carrycots/seats facing forwards or backwards. It can also accommodate a third child with piggyback' boards (sold separately). Its light, sleek frame with swivel wheels on the front and suspension makes it easy to manoeuvre through town and on rougher terrain.
The Joie Evalite Duo is another side-by-side model that's incredibly light and has a compact footprint. They can be easily moved around with the seats on. They require more effort to push them over kerbs, and they can be tricky on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another excellent option as it can be used with both carseats or seats in tandem, but can also be used as a single buggy due to its unique frame that expands widthways. It also has a height-adjustable handle making it really easy to steer with just one hand.
If you plan to travel by public transport frequently, think about whether you'll need a double buggy with large wheels since they tend to cope better with uneven or rough surfaces. Similarly, check the ease with which you can fold and unfold the buggy as well as the width when folded to determine whether your car is capable of accommodating it. If you live in an area with narrow streets, consider a tandem double stroller in which the child is placed behind their partner, instead of in front of them. This will make it easier to maneuver through tight spaces.
Lots of storage
A double buggy isn't necessary for every family but it can make outings more manageable for those with toddlers or newborns. Take a look at the side-by-side buggies if you want an easy-to-steer, lightweight model. These have a large basket beneath and side and rear pockets to keep all your baby's essentials. Some models have handles that are adjustable that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of different heights. They also fold neatly to a compact form which makes them perfect for small spaces or in the boot.
All-terrain double strollers are a great option if you're looking for a more robust model. These are typically twins and can be more difficult to manoeuvre however, they're usually equipped with a reclining seat designed for infants and older children, and are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some of them permit you to convert the buggy into a running jogger, making them ideal for running and exercising.
A majority of the top double buggies are able to accommodate many different combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats. They are a great option for families with twins or siblings of similar age. However, it's crucial to look up the specifications of any model you are interested in.
There are two types of double buggys that are tandem and twin. In compact double buggy are placed in front of the next. A twin buggy has the primary advantage that children can play together, rather than fighting over who sits in the front. However, twin buggy tend to be larger and can be tricky to navigate through doorways and supermarket aisles.
Tandem buggies tend to be slightly shorter than single models, but are nonetheless longer. They're also less stable when bumping up kerbs and might require dismantling to fit in your car's boot. Most double buggies have recline for the seat independently, which is now a standard feature. Be sure that the model has the ability to adjust each child's seats to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for parents and children are the best. Check for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat is able to do and if the seats are independently adjustable to allow you to adjust them as your children develop. Make sure you know the weight limit and if they both have a hood or sun canopy to shield from wind and rain.
If you're looking for an adaptable alternative to a double pushchair then consider a baby carrier. They are ideal for toddlers who want to walk but need a ride. They're also ideal for infants and newborns. Some carriers can be paired with the car seat for greater flexibility.
Many parents consider a side-by-side double buggy to be the most convenient 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 thinnest side-by-side double buggy available (it's the same width as a single stroller).
The Wave tandem buggies from Mamas & Papas are another smart choice. They come with more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's designed as a single pushchair, but you can add a second seat or carrycot (and sometimes, a third) to the frame using adaptors, giving you a wide range of seating options. It is easy to navigate, has a fantastic 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 a matter of seconds.
Double buggys are an investment that will last for years. They also have a good resale cost. When comparing prices, remember that it's best to purchase a brand-name model as this will help you to secure more accessories and upgrades in the future. Some of our best-rated double buggies come with a useful changing Bag & Carrier in the price. This is a must-have accessory that will save you time and hassle on the day you need to travel with your babies.