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 two kids. It can help you navigate urban pathways and off road trails with ease while making sure that your children are comfortable and happy.
When choosing a double stroller, there are many things to consider. Be sure that it will fit into your car boot and through your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second child is a thrilling prospect, but there are a lot of practical aspects to consider. Adding another child to the family can mean changing the layout of living spaces, thinking about car seats and, of course, purchasing the latest double buggy.
There are many great options available regardless of whether you're looking for twins or want something narrow. Our experts at the lab recommend iCandy Peach because it comes with a range of accessories that rival brands will charge extra for. It also folds up extremely neatly to take up less space in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is a breeze to move. However, it may be a bit long when you're using it in double mode.
Side-byside buggies can be fantastic for keeping your children in a single place but they tend to be bigger than a single buggy which can make them hard to maneuver up and down kerbs. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm wide, is the slimmest on the market. This makes it easy to fit through doors and on public transportation. It's compatible with a variety of car seats and can adapt to your growing family and can be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are old enough to sit side by side.
The suspension is great for rough surfaces, and the adjustable height handle makes steering simple. It's ideal for older children since the seat is elevated stadium style. This provides them with a better view of the action. It's not as lightweight as other models on this list but it's still a good option.
You'll be pushing your double buggy a lot so it's important to select an item that is comfortable to push. Look for a handle with a cushioned grip that is designed to fit your height. Also, a large basket with lots of pockets and compartments. It's also worth assessing how it's easy to fold and put away your buggy when not using it.
Easy to manoeuvre
There are some amazing new double buggies that allow two children to travel much more convenient. For example the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can carry twins (or one baby and a toddler) with both car seats facing either backward or forward and even a third seat with piggyback boards (sold separately). Its sleek, light frame with swivel wheels on the front and suspension ensure it's easy to maneuver through town and on rough terrain.
Other models that are side-by-side, such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also extremely light and have a compact footprint, which makes them easy to slide through doors and on public transport and often you can put them away with the seats still in place. However, they need some muscle to push over kerbs and can be trickier on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be utilized in tandem mode with both seats/carrycots and can be used to push one buggy. The clever frame expands in width.
If
Push Chairs And Prams intend to use public transportation frequently you might want to consider a double-buggy with large wheels. They are more suited to rough or uneven surfaces. Check the ease to fold and unfold the buggy, as well as the size of the buggy when folded, to see if it will fit in your boot. If you reside in an area with narrow streets, you should consider a tandem double stroller in which the child is seated behind their partner, instead of behind them. This makes it easier to maneuver around narrow spaces.
Storage is readily available
A double buggy isn't essential for every family, but it makes outings more manageable for families with toddlers and newborns. Check out the side-by-side buggies for a lightweight, easy-to-steer model. They come with a large basket under as well as side and rear pockets that can be used to store the necessities for your baby. Some models have handles that are adjustable that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of different heights. They also fold neatly to a compact form which makes them perfect to use in tight spaces or in the boot.
If you want a more robust double buggy, try one of the all-terrain models. They are typically twins, and are more difficult to maneuver, but often come with a reclined seat that is perfect for babies and toddlers. They are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active family members. Certain models can be converted into joggers, which makes them ideal for running or exercising.
Many of the top double buggies will be able to accommodate a wide range of combinations of carrycots, seats and car seats. They are a great option for families with twins or siblings of similar age. But, it's important to check the specifications of any model you're considering.
There are two types of double buggy which are tandem and twin. In tandem, one seat is placed on top of the other. The primary benefit of twin buggy is that your children can interact instead of having to rotate or argue over who gets the best spot. However, twins tend to be wider and may be difficult to navigate through the supermarket's doorways and aisles.
Tandem buggies are generally a little shorter than single buggies, however they are nevertheless longer. They are also less stable and may require dismantling to fit in your car boot. Reclining the seat independently is now a fairly standard feature on the majority of double buggies, so ensure that your model allows you to adjust each child's seat to the position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
A well-designed double buggy should provide both parents and children plenty of comfort. Check for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat can achieve and if the seats can be independently adjusted so you can adapt them as your children develop. Check the weight limit, and if they both have a hood or sun canopy to protect from wind and rain.
If you're looking for a versatile alternative to a double pushchair, consider a baby carrier. They are great for toddlers who wish to walk but require an extra ride. They're also ideal for newborns and babies. Some carriers can be used with a car seat for even greater flexibility.
Many parents consider a side-by-side double buggy to be the most convenient to use, but there are also some innovative models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone which is amazingly slim and is the thinnest side-by-side double buggy on the market (it's the same width as a single stroller).
The Wave from Mamas & Papas is another clever option that provides more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's a single-pushchair, and you can then add a carrycot to the frame with adaptors. This offers an array of seating options. It is easy to control, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts were impressed by how easy it was to fold. You just pull up on the two straps (one under each seat) and you can collapse the whole thing in just a few seconds.
Double buggys are an investment that will last for years. They also offer a reasonable resales cost. When looking at prices it is important to keep in mind that buying a brand name model can allow you to get extra accessories and upgrades later on. Our top-rated double buggies come with a useful Changing Bag and Carrier at a reasonable price. This is a must-have accessory that'll save you time and hassle on the day you need to travel with your kids.