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 allows you to navigate urban roads and off road trails with ease while making sure that your children are comfortable and content.
There are many things to take into consideration when selecting a double buggy. First, make sure it will fit through your door and into your car boot when folded.
Lightweight
It's thrilling to welcome the second child home however, there are a lot of practical issues to be considered. The addition of another child to the family means redesigning living spaces, rethinking car seats, and of course, purchasing a new double buggy.
If you're looking to purchase twins or require something smaller, there are lots of excellent options out there. 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 occupy a tiny space in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is easy to maneuver. However, it can be a bit long when you're in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies work well for keeping kids together however they can be a bit wider than a single stroller. This can make it difficult to move through kerbs and up and down. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm width is the slimmest on the market. This allows it to be easily pushed through doors and on public transport. It's compatible with a range of car seats and can expand with your family and can be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are ready to sit side-by-side.
Its height adjustable handle is great for steering, and the suspension can take care of rough surfaces. It's great for older children since the seat is elevated in a stadium style. This gives them a better perspective of the action. It's not as light as other models on this list but it's still a good choice.
You'll be pushing your double buggy frequently, so it's crucial to select an item that is at ease to push. Find a handle with a padded grip that is shaped to your height. Also, a large basket that has plenty of compartments and pockets. When you're not using your buggy, it's worth checking how easily it folds and can be stored.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some amazing new double buggies that allow two children to travel much more convenient. The iCandy Orange, for example is a multi-purpose choice that can be used to accommodate twins or one baby and a toddler with both seats/carrycots facing either forward or backwards. It can also accommodate a third child with piggyback's board (sold separately). Its slim, sleek frame, swivel front wheels and suspension ensure it's easy to manoeuvre through the city and over rougher terrain.
Other models that are side-by-side, such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight and have a compact footprint so they're easy to slide through doors and on public transport, and you can often put them away with the seats still attached. However, they require some more strength to push over kerbs and can be more challenging on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be utilized in tandem mode with both carrycots and seats however, it can also be used to push one buggy. The clever frame can be expanded width-wise.
If you plan to use public transport a lot, consider whether you're going to need a double buggy with big wheels, as they are able to be more tolerant of rough or uneven surfaces. Check the ease to fold and unfold, and also the length of the buggy once folded to see if it will fit in your boot. If you reside in a small village or town with narrow pavements, opt for a tandem double buggy in which the child sits behind the other, instead of sitting in front of them, as this makes it easier for them to navigate tight spaces.
Storage is readily available
A double buggy isn't a necessity for all families, but it makes outings more manageable for those with toddlers or newborns. If you're looking for a light model that's easy to steer, check out the range of double buggies that are side-by-side. They come with a large basket under as well as side and rear pockets to store all your baby's essentials. A lot of models come with handles that can be adjusted to suit parents of different heights. They also fold neatly to a compact form, making them ideal for use in small spaces or in the boot.
All-terrain double buggys are great option if you're looking for a stronger model. These are usually twins and are more difficult to maneuver, but often come with a reclining seat that is great for toddlers and infants. They are a great choice for active family members. Some allow you to transform the buggy into jogger, making them ideal for running and exercise.
A lot of the top double buggies can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, car seats and seats. This makes them a great option for families with twins or children who are similar in age however, it's important to check the specs of any model you're thinking about to ensure it's suitable for your needs.
There are two primary kinds of double buggy - twin which is where your children are side-by-side, and tandem where one seat is placed in front of the other. The primary benefit of twin buggy is that your children will be able to communicate, rather than having to switch places or fight over who has the top place. However, twin buggy tend to be larger and may be difficult to navigate through supermarket entrances and aisles.
Tandem buggies are generally smaller however, they're still longer than single models. They're also less stable when bumping up kerbs and may need dismantling in order to fit into the car boot. The majority of double buggies come with an recline that is independent, which is now a standard feature. Make sure that the model can be adjusted by each child's seat to the position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
A well-designed double buggy should offer both children and parents plenty of comfort. Be sure to look for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat can do and if the seats are adjustable independently so that you can adjust them as your children grow. Be sure to check the weight limits and whether they both come with a sun canopy or a hood to protect the seats from rain and wind.
If you're looking for a versatile alternative to a double pushchair then consider a baby carrier. They are ideal for toddlers that want to walk but need the comfort of a ride. They're also perfect for infants and newborns. Some carriers can be used with a car seat to give more flexibility.
Some parents believe that a side-by-side double buggy is the most convenient option. However there are some new models available, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone. It is the lightest double buggy side by side on the market.
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 carrycot to the frame using adaptors. This offers an array of seating options. It's smooth to steer, is extremely stable and Lab experts loved 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 just a few seconds.
Double buggys are a good investment that will last for years. They also offer a reasonable resales cost. When comparing prices, remember that it's best to buy a brand-name model as this will allow you to acquire more accessories and upgrades in the future. For instance, a few of our top-rated double buggies come with a handy Changing Bag and Carrier included in the cost. This is a must-have accessory that will save you time and hassle when you have to travel with your kids.