A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is an essential item for families with two children. You can navigate urban pathways or off-road trails with ease while keeping your children safe and happy.
There are many things to consider when choosing a double buggy. Make sure it fits through your car boot and through your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
The prospect of bringing a second child home is an exciting prospect but there are a lot of practical issues to be considered. The addition of another child to the family can mean redesigning living spaces, rethinking car seats, and of course, investing in a brand new double buggy.
There are plenty of great options available regardless of whether you're looking for twins or need something a bit smaller. Our experts from the lab recommend the iCandy Peach because it comes with a variety of accessories that rival brands will charge extra for. It also folds up very neatly to take up less space in your boot. It is easy to move and it rolls well, as per testers. However, it may 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 can make them difficult to navigate up and down kerbs. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the tiniest side-by-side on market though and, at just 63cm wide, it's the same width as the single pushchair. This makes it easy to fit through doorways and on public transport. It's compatible with a range of car seats and can expand with your family - it can be used as a mono and tandem buggy when your children are old enough to be seated side-by-side.
The suspension is excellent for rough terrain, and its adjustable height makes steering a breeze. It's a great choice for older kids since the seat is elevated stadium style. This allows them to have a better view of the action. It's not as light as some other models on this list, but it's still a nippy choice.
It's important that you choose the right double buggy that is easy to push. Find a handle that's well-padded and shaped to match your height, as well as a spacious basket with many pockets and compartments. It's also worth assessing how easy it is to fold and put away your buggy when not using it.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some incredible double buggies on the market that make traveling with two kids much easier. For instance, the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can be used to carry twins (or one toddler and a baby) with both car seats facing forward or backward and even a third one with the 'piggyback' board (sold separately). Its light, sleek frame, swivel front wheels and suspension make it easy to manoeuvre around town and over rougher terrain.
Other side-by-side models such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also extremely light and have a small footprint so they're easy to fit through doors and on public transport and you can usually store them with the seats still attached. They do require more effort to push them over kerbs, and they aren't ideal for uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be used in tandem mode using both car seats and seat, but it can also be used to push one buggy. Its clever frame can be expanded width-wise.
If you plan to use public transport often, think about whether you'll need a double buggy that has big wheels as these tend to perform better on rough or uneven surfaces. Consider how easy it will be to fold and unfold the buggy, as well as the width of the buggy once folded to determine if it's going to fit in your boot. If you reside in a tiny village or town with 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 for them to navigate narrow spaces.
A lot of storage
Double buggies don't have to be a necessity for every family, but they do make outings easier for those with infants and toddlers. Look into the side-byside buggies if you want a lightweight, easy-to-steer model. These offer lots of space under in the form of a large basket as well as side and rear pockets for all the baby necessities. Many models have adjustable handles that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of different heights. They can also fold to a compact form which makes them perfect for use in small spaces or in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, consider one of the all-terrain options. These are typically twins and are more difficult to maneuver, but they'll often come with a reclined seat for newborns and older babies, and are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some even permit you to transform the buggy into a running jogger, making them ideal for exercise and running.
A lot of the top double buggies can be used with various combinations of carrycots, car seats and seats. They are a great option for families with twins, or siblings with similar age. But, it's important to check the specifications of the model you're interested in.
There are two primary types of double buggy: twin which is where your children are side-by-side, and tandem, with one seat in front of the other. The main advantage of a twin buggy is that your children can interact without having to switch places or fight over who gets the best place. Twin buggys are often wider and can be more difficult to navigate through aisles and doorways at the supermarket.
Tandem buggies are usually slightly shorter than single models, but are nevertheless longer. They're also less stable when going up kerbs and might require dismantling in order to fit into the car boot. Most double buggies have recline for the seat independently that is now an option that is standard. Make sure your chosen model can be adjusted by each child's seats to the position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
A quality double buggy will give both parents and children plenty of comfort. Make sure you check the padding on the straps as well as the amount of recline each seat is able to achieve. Also, check if the seats can be adjusted independently to allow you to adapt the seat to your child's size. Be sure to check the weight limits and whether they both have a sun canopy or an hood to protect the seats from rain and wind.
Consider a baby carrier as an alternative to a double stroller. They can be used for toddlers who want to walk but need a ride on board and they're also great for infants and newborns. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with the car seat for more flexibility.
Some parents find that a side by side double buggy is the most convenient option. However there are some new models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxurious in herringbone. It is the thinnest 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 then you can add a carrycot to the frame using adaptors. This offers the option of a variety of seating options. It's smooth to steer, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts were impressed by how easy it was to fold. You just pull the straps up (one under each seat) and the whole unit folds in just a few seconds.
A double buggy is an investment, but you'll be able make use of it for many years and also enjoy a decent resale value. When comparing prices, remember that it's best to purchase an item from a reputable brand, as it will allow you to get additional accessories and upgrades in the future. For instance, many of our top-rated double buggies come with a handy changing Bag and Carrier included in the price. This is an essential item that will save you time and stress when you have to travel with your children.