Double Buggy: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is an essential item for families with more than one child. It allows you to navigate urban pathways and off road double buggy-road trails with ease whilst keeping your kids safe and happy.
There are many things to think about when choosing a double buggy. Be sure that it will fit through the car boot and through your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second baby is an exciting prospect but there are a lot of practical aspects to consider. Addition of a second child to the family can mean redesigning living spaces, rethinking the seating arrangements in vehicles and acquiring the double buggy.
There are a variety of options available regardless of whether you're looking for twins or simply want something narrow. Our lab experts love the iCandy Peach, which comes with a range of accessories that other brands cost extra for and folds very neatly into place to occupy a tiny space in your boot. Testers find it rolls well and is easy to move. It may feel a little long when used in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies can be great for keeping your children together but they are typically larger than a single buggy, which makes them difficult to navigate through kerbs. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm wide, is the tiniest on the market. It's easy to maneuver through doors and into public transportation. It is compatible with many car seats and can grow with your family. It can be used as a tandem or mono buggy once your children are old enough to be seated together.
Its height adjustable handle is ideal for steering, and the suspension makes 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 improved view of the action. It's not as light as some other models on this list, but it's still a good option.
It's crucial to select the right double buggy that is easy to push. Find a handle with a padded grip that is designed to fit your height. Also, look for a large basket that has plenty of compartments and pockets. It's also worth looking into how it's easy to fold and store your buggy when you're not using it.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some amazing new double buggies out there that make getting out and about with two kids much easier. For instance, the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can carry twins (or one toddler and a baby) with both car seats facing either backward or forward and even a third seat using a 'piggyback board' (sold separately). Its light, sleek frame, swivel front wheels and suspension makes it easy to maneuver through the city and over rough terrain.
Other side-by-side models such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also incredibly lightweight and have a smaller footprint, making them easily able to be inserted into doors and on public transport and you can often put them away with the seats still attached. However, they do require some more strength to push them over kerbs and can be more challenging on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be used in tandem mode using both seats/carrycots and can be used to push one buggy. Its clever frame expands in width.
If you're planning to travel by public transport frequently, think about whether you'll need a double to single buggy buggy that has big wheels as these tend to cope better with rough or uneven surfaces. Also, consider the ease with which you can fold and unfold the buggy as well as how wide it is when folded to determine whether your car is able to accommodate it. If you reside in an area with narrow streets, consider a tandem double stroller in which the child sits behind their companion, rather than beside them. This makes it easier to maneuver around narrow spaces.
Storage is readily available
A double buggy isn't necessary for every family however it can make outings easier for those with toddlers and newborns. If you're looking to purchase a light model that's easy to steer look into the selection of side-by-side double buggies. They have a large storage basket under and a rear and side pockets to keep all the necessities for your baby. You'll also find many models with adjustable handles to suit parents of different heights. They fold up in a neat, compact form that is suitable for use in tight spaces or to stow away in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, you can choose one of the all-terrain options. They're typically twins and are more difficult to maneuver, but they often come with a reclining seat that is great for toddlers and babies. They're a great option for those who love the outdoors and active family members. Some models can be converted into joggers, which makes them ideal for running or exercising.
Many of the best double buggies are able to accommodate various combinations of carrycots, car seats and seats. This makes them an excellent option for families with twins or children who are similar in age, but it's worth looking over the specs of any model you're considering to make sure it's suitable for your needs.
There are two kinds of double buggys which are tandem and twin. In tandem the seat is placed on top of the other. The primary benefit of a twin buggy is that your children will be able to interact instead of having to rotate or fight over who gets the prime place. However, twin buggys are usually wider and can be difficult to navigate through the supermarket's doorways and aisles.
Tandem buggies are generally slightly shorter than single buggies, but are nonetheless longer. They're also less stable and may require dismantling to fit in your car boot. Recline-based seats are now a common feature on the majority of double buggies, so do ensure that the model can be adjusted by each child's seat to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for parents and children are the most comfortable. Make sure you check the padding of the straps and the amount of recline that each seat can attain. Also, verify if the seats can be adjusted separately to allow you to adapt them to your child's growth. Check the weight limits too and if they come with a sun canopy or an hood to protect your children from rain and wind.
Consider a baby carrier to replace a double stroller. They are ideal for toddlers who wish to walk but need an extra ride. They're also perfect for newborns and babies. Some carriers can be paired with the car seat for more flexibility.
Many parents find a side-by-side double buggy the most comfortable to navigate, however there are also some innovative models out there like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone, that is incredibly slim and is the thinnest double buggy that is side-by-side available (it's the same width as a single stroller).
The Wave tandem buggies from Mamas & Papas are another excellent choice. They provide more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's initially an uni-pedestrian pushchair. Later, you can add an additional seat or carrycot (and sometimes, a third) to the frame with adaptors, allowing you to have an array of seating arrangements. It's smooth to steer, is extremely stable and Lab experts loved how easy it was to fold. You just pull up on two straps (one under each seat) and the entire unit folds in just a few seconds.
Double buggys are an investment that will last for years. They also come with a decent resale cost. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it is best to purchase 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 buggy with carrycot buggies come with an easy changing Bag and Carrier included in the price. This is an essential accessory that will help you save time, effort and money when you travel with your baby.