A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is an essential item for families with two children. It is possible to navigate urban roads or off-road trails easily while keeping your children comfortable and happy.
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing a double buggy. Check that it can fit into your car boot and your doorway when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second baby is a thrilling prospect, but there are plenty of practical considerations. The addition of a child to the family means changing the layout of living spaces, thinking about car seats and, of course, investing in a brand new double buggy.
If you're looking to purchase twins or need something a little more compact there are plenty of excellent options that are available. Our lab experts like the iCandy Peach, which comes with a set of accessories that competitors cost extra for. It is very compact and folds up to take up little space in your boot. The Peach is well-balanced and is easy to manoeuvre. However, it could feel a little long when you're in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies work well to keep children in a single space but they are a bit wider than the single stroller. This makes it difficult to maneuver through kerbs and up and down. The Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury is the slimmest side-by-side available on the market and, at just 63cm wide it's the same as a single pushchair. It is easy to maneuver through doors and onto public transport. It's compatible with a range of car seats and will adapt to your growing family - it can be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are old enough to sit side by side.
The suspension is excellent for rough surfaces, and its adjustable height handle makes steering simple. It's a great option for older kids, as it has a seat that's elevated stadium style to give them a better view of the action. It's not as lightweight as other models on this list but it's still a nippy choice.
You'll be pushing your double buggy frequently, so it's important to look for a model that feels easy to push. Choose a handle that has a padded grip that is made to fit your height. Also, a large basket that has plenty of compartments and pockets. 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 fantastic new double buggies out there that make going out and about with two kids much more enjoyable. The iCandy Orange, for example is a multi-purpose model that can fit twins or one toddler and one baby with both carrycots/seats facing forwards or backwards. It can also accommodate a third child with piggyback' boards (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light frame, swivel wheels, and suspension make it easy to move through the city and on rough terrain.
Other models with side-by-sides, like the Joie Evalite Duo are also extremely light and have a compact footprint, making them easily able to be inserted into doors and on public transport, and you can often store them with seats still attached. They require more effort to push over kerbs, and can be tricky on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another ideal option since it can be used with both carseats or seats in tandem, but can also be used as a single buggy due to its unique frame that expands widthways and a height-adjustable handle making it easy to steer with just one hand.
If you intend to use public transportation frequently, you may want to think about a double buggy that has large wheels. They are more suited to rough or uneven surfaces. Additionally, take note of the ease with which you can fold and unfold the buggy, as well as the width when folded to see whether your car is enough to hold it. If you live in an area with narrow streets, choose a tandem double stroller where the child is placed behind their companion, instead of behind them. This makes it easier to maneuver through narrow spaces.
Storage is available in abundance
A double buggy isn't necessary for all families but it makes outings more manageable for those with toddlers and newborns. If you're looking for a lightweight model that's easy to maneuver, check out the range of side-by-side double buggies. These have a large basket under and a rear and side pockets to store all your baby's essentials. There are many models that feature adjustable handles that can be adjusted to fit parents of different heights. They also fold in a neat, compact form ideal 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 options. These are typically twins and are more difficult to maneuver, but they'll often come with a reclining seat for infants and older children and are a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some even allow you to transform the buggy into jogger, making them ideal for exercise and running.
A lot of the top double buggies can accommodate various combinations of carrycots, car seats and seats. This makes them an excellent option for families with twins or siblings who are similar in age but it's worth checking the specs of any model you're thinking about to ensure it's suitable for your needs.
There are two kinds of double buggy - twin, where your children sit side-by-side, and tandem, where one seat is placed in front of the other. The primary benefit of a twin buggy is that your children will be able to communicate without having to switch places or fight over who gets the prime place. However, twins tend to be wider and may be difficult to navigate through supermarket entrances and aisles.
Tandem buggies tend to be a little shorter than single models, but are still longer. They are also less stable and might require dismantling to fit into your car's boot. The majority of double buggies come with an recline that is independent, which is nowadays an option that is standard. Make sure your chosen model allows you to adjust each child's seats to the position they're most comfortable in.
Comfort
A quality double buggy will offer both children and parents plenty of comfort. Be double pram and pushchair to look for padding on the straps, the amount of recline each seat can do and whether the seats are adjustable independently so that you can adjust to your child's needs as they grow. Be sure to check the weight limits and whether they both come with a sun canopy or a hood to protect your children from rain and wind.
Consider using a baby carrier to replace a double stroller. They are great for toddlers who wish to walk, but still require an extra ride. They're also perfect for babies and newborns. Some carriers can be used in conjunction with a car seat to give more flexibility.
Many parents consider a side-by-side double buggy the easiest option to navigate, but there are some unique models available, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone which is amazingly slim and is the thinnest double buggy that is side-by-side available (it's the same size as a single stroller).
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 you can then add a second or carrycot to the frame using adaptors. This provides you with the option of a variety of seating options. It's smooth to steer and is extremely stable and Lab experts were impressed by how easy it was to fold: You simply 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 an investment but you'll be able to use it for years and will also get an excellent resale price. When making comparisons, it's important to remember that purchasing a reputable model can allow you to get extra accessories and upgrades later. Some of our best-rated double buggies come with a convenient changing Bag and Carrier for the price. This is an essential item that will save you time and effort on the day you need to travel with your kids.