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 allows you to navigate urban pathways and off-road trails with ease while keeping the kids comfortable and content.
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a double buggy. Be sure that it will fit through your car boot and doorway when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to bring another child into the family but there are a number of practical considerations. The addition of a child to the family will require reorganising living spaces, rethinking car seats and, of course, purchasing a brand new double buggy.
Whether you're shopping for twins or need something a little more compact there are plenty of excellent options on the market. Our lab experts like the iCandy Peach, which comes with a set of accessories that rival brands charge extra for and is very compact and folds up to take up little space in your boot. It is easy to maneuver and rolls well, as per testers. It can feel a bit long when used in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are ideal to keep children in a single space, but they can be slightly larger than a single stroller. This makes it difficult to navigate through kerbs and up and down. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the slimmest side-by-side on the market and, at just 63cm wide, it's the same width as one pushchair. This makes it easy to fit through doors and public transportation. It's compatible with many car seats, and it can grow with your family. It can be used as mono or tandem buggy when your children are old enough to sit together.
Its height adjustable handle is ideal for steering, and the suspension can take care of rough surfaces. It's a great choice for older kids, since it comes with a seat that's elevated to give them an even better view of the action. It's not as light as some other models in this list but it's still a nippy choice.
It's crucial to select the right double buggy that is easy to push. Choose a handle that has a padded grip that is designed to fit your height. Also, look for a large basket with many compartments and pockets. When you're not using your buggy, it's worth checking how easily it can be folded and stored.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some incredible double buggies on the market that allow two children to travel much simpler. For instance, the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can carry twins (or one toddler and a baby) with both seats/carrycots facing forward or backward, and even a third seat with piggyback boards (sold separately). Its light, sleek frame with swivel front wheels, swivel rear wheels and suspension ensure it's easy to manoeuvre around town and over rougher terrain.
The Joie Evalite Duo is another side-byside model that's extremely light and has a small footprint. They can be easily moved around with the seats on. However, they need a bit more muscle to push them over kerbs and can be trickier on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be used in tandem mode with both carrycots and seats however, it can also be used to push one buggy. Its clever frame can be expanded width-wise.
If you plan to use public transportation a lot, consider whether you'll need a double buggy with large wheels as these tend to cope better with rough or uneven surfaces. Find out how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy, and also the length of the buggy when folded, to determine if it's going to fit in your boot. If you reside in a tiny village or town with narrow streets, consider a double buggy that has the child is seated behind the other, rather than directly in front of them, since this makes it easier for them to navigate narrow spaces.
Lots of storage
A double buggy isn't a necessity for all families however it can make outings easier for those with toddlers or newborns. If you're looking to purchase a light model that's easy to maneuver, check out the range of side-by-side double buggies. These have a large basket under and side and rear pockets to store all the essentials for your baby. There are many models that feature adjustable handles that can be adjusted to fit parents of different heights and fold up in a neat, compact form that is suitable to be used in small spaces or for tucking away in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, you can choose one of the all-terrain models. They're typically twins, and are more difficult to maneuver, however they usually come with a reclining seat that is perfect for babies and toddlers. They're an excellent choice for those who love the outdoors and active family members. Some models can be transformed into joggers, making them perfect for running or exercise.
A lot of the top double buggies are able to accommodate a wide range of combinations of carrycots, seats and car seats. This makes them an excellent option for families with twins or siblings who are similar in age but it's worth checking the specifications of any model you're considering to ensure that it will fit your requirements.
There are two kinds of double buggy that are tandem and twin. In tandem, one seat is placed on top of the other. A twin buggy has the main advantage that your children can be together instead of fighting over who should sit in front. However, twin buggys tend to be wider and can be difficult to navigate through doorways and supermarket aisles.
Tandem buggies tend to be a bit shorter however they're still more than single models. They're also less stable when bouncing up kerbs and may need dismantling to fit in the car boot. Recline-based seats are now a fairly standard feature on the majority of double buggies. So, ensure that the model allows you to adjust each child's seat to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
A quality double buggy will give both parents and children plenty of comfort. Check for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat can do and if the seats are adjustable independently to allow you to adjust to your child's needs as they grow. Check the weight limits too and whether both have a sun canopy as well as a hood to shield them from wind and rain.
Consider using a baby carrier to replace a double stroller. They are ideal for toddlers that want to walk but require a ride. They're also perfect for newborns and babies. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with a child car seat to give you more flexibility.
Many parents find a side-byside double buggy to be the most convenient to navigate, however there are also some innovative models available, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone which is extremely slim and is the tiniest double buggy with a side-by-side layout on the market (it's the same width as a single stroller).
The Wave tandem buggies made by Mamas & Papas are another good option. They provide more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It starts as a mono-pushchair, and you can then add a carrycot to the frame with adaptors. This provides you with an array of seating options. It's smooth to steer, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts really liked the ease of fold. You just pull up on two straps (one under each seat) and the entire unit folds in a matter of minutes.
Double buggys are an investment that will last for years. They also offer a reasonable resales cost. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it is best to purchase an item from a reputable brand, as it will help you to secure more accessories and upgrades in the future. Our top-rated double buggies include a handy changing Bag & Carrier in the price. This is an essential accessory that'll save you time and effort on the day you need to travel with your babies.