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 can help you navigate urban pathways and off road trails without difficulty while keeping the kids comfortable and content.
There are many things to think about when choosing a double buggy. First, make sure it will fit through your door and into the car boot when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second child is an exciting possibility, but there are also lots of practical considerations. Addition of a second child to the family can mean rearranging living spaces, rethinking car seats and purchasing the double buggy.
If you're looking to purchase twins or want something narrow, there are lots of excellent options on the market. Our experts at the lab recommend iCandy Peach because it comes with a variety of accessories that competitors will charge extra for. It folds extremely neatly to take up less space in your boot. Testers find it rolls well and is easy to manoeuvre. It may feel a little long when used in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies can be great to keep your kids together however they are generally bigger than a single buggy, which can make them difficult to maneuver 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 size as the single pushchair. It is easy to maneuver through doors and onto public transportation. It's compatible with a variety of car seats and can grow with your family - it can be used as a mono and tandem buggy when your children are ready to sit side by side.
The suspension is excellent for rough terrain, and its height-adjustable handle makes steering easy. It's ideal for older children because the seat is elevated in stadium style. This provides them with a better view of the action. It's not quite as light as other models, however it's still a great option.
You'll be pushing your double buggy often so it's crucial to choose one that is comfortable to push. Find a handle with padding and a grip designed to fit your height. Also, consider a big basket with many pockets and compartments. It's also worth looking into how it's simple 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 children much simpler. The iCandy Orange, for example is a multi-purpose model that can fit twins or one toddler and one baby with both car seats facing in the direction of forward or reverse. It can also accommodate a third kid using a piggyback' board (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light weight with swivel wheels and suspension make it easy to maneuver through the city and on rougher terrain.
The Joie Evalite Duo is another side-by-side model that is extremely light and has a compact footprint. They can be easily moved around with the seats on. However, they do require a bit more muscle to push them over kerbs and can be trickier on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another excellent option as it can be used with both carseats or seats in tandem mode but can also be used as a single buggy due to its unique frame that expands widthways and a height adjustable handle making it simple to steer with just one hand.
If you intend to travel by public transport a lot, consider whether you're going to need a double buggy that has big wheels as these tend to be more tolerant of rough or uneven surfaces. Also, consider how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy, as well as the width when folded to see whether your car is able to accommodate it. If you reside in a small town or village with narrow pavements, opt for a tandem double buggy in which the child is seated behind the other, instead of sitting in front of them, as this makes it easier for them to navigate narrow spaces.
A lot of storage
A double buggy isn't necessary for all families but it makes outings more manageable for those with toddlers and newborns. Take a look at the side-by-side buggies if you want a lightweight, easy-to-steer model. These have a large basket underneath and a rear and side pockets that can be used to store the necessities for your baby. Some models have handles that are adjustable that can be adjusted to suit parents of different heights. They also fold neatly to a compact form which makes them perfect to use in tight areas or in the boot.
If you're looking for a more robust double buggy, you can choose one of the all-terrain options. These tend to be twin and can be more difficult to maneuver, but they'll often come with a reclined seat for infants and older children, and are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts as well as active families. Certain models can be converted into joggers, which makes them ideal for running or exercising.
A majority of the top double buggies are able to accommodate a variety of combinations of carrycots, car seats and seats. They are a great option for families with twins, or siblings with similar age. However, it's crucial to look up the specifications of the model you're considering.
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 will be able to interact instead of having to rotate or argue over who gets the prime place. Twin buggys are often wider and can be more difficult to navigate through aisles and doorways at the supermarket.
double buggy that converts to single are generally smaller however, they're still longer than single models. They're also less stable when bumping up kerbs, and may require dismantling in order to fit into your car's boot. Reclining the seat independently is now a fairly standard feature on most double buggies, so make sure that your chosen model can be adjusted by each child's seat to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
A good double buggy should provide both parents and children plenty of comfort. Be sure to look for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat is able to do and whether the seats are independently adjustable so that you can adjust to your child's needs as they develop. Be sure to check the weight limits and if they come with a sun canopy or an hood to protect the seats from rain and wind.
If you're looking for an adaptable alternative to a double pushchair then consider a baby carrier. They are suitable 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 with a car seat for children, giving you more flexibility.
Some parents find that a side by side double buggy is the best option. However there are a few innovative models available, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxurious in herringbone. It is the thinnest double buggy side by side available on the market.
The Wave from Mamas & Papas is another clever choice that offers more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's initially an uni-pedestrian pushchair. Later, you can add a second seat or carrycot (and sometimes a third one) to the frame by using adaptors, which gives you an array of seating options. It's smooth to steer and has an excellent suspension and Lab experts really liked how easy it was to fold. All you have to do is pull up on two straps (one under each seat) and the whole thing collapses in half in a matter of minutes.
A double buggy is a big investment, however, you'll be able to keep it for a long time and also enjoy an acceptable resale value. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it is best to purchase an item from a reputable brand, as it will allow you to acquire more accessories and upgrades in the future. For instance, a few of our top-rated double buggies come with an easy Changing Bag and Carrier included in the price. This is an essential item that will save you time and effort when you have to travel with your children.