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 a must-have for families with two children. You can travel through urban streets or off-road trails without difficulty while keeping your kids comfortable and content.
There are many things to consider when choosing a double buggy. First, make sure it can fit through your door and into your car boot when folded.
Lightweight
It's exciting to bring another child into the family but there are a number of practical issues to be considered. The addition of another child to the family will require reorganising living spaces, rethinking car seats, and of course, investing in the latest double buggy.
If you're looking to purchase twins or want something narrow, there are lots of options available out there. Our lab experts love the iCandy Peach, which comes with a set of accessories that rival brands cost extra for. It folds very neatly into place to occupy a tiny space in your boot. Testers find it rolls well and is easy to maneuver. It can feel a bit long when in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are 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 slimmest side-by-side on the market though and, at just 63cm wide it's the same width as one pushchair. This allows it to be easily pushed through doors and public transportation. It's compatible with a range of car seats and will grow with your family and can be used as a mono and tandem buggy when your children are old enough to be seated side-by-side.
The adjustable height handle is great for steering, and the suspension makes light work of rough surfaces. It's an excellent choice for older kids, as it has a seat that's elevated to give them an even better view of the action. It's not as lightweight as other models in this list but it's still a nippy option.
You'll be pushing your double buggy a lot so it's important to select a model that feels at ease to push. Look for a handle that's padded and well-shaped to suit your height, and an ample basket that has many pockets and compartments. It's also worth looking into how easy it is to fold and store your buggy when you're not using it.
Easy to maneuver
There are some incredible new double buggies out there that make going out and about with two kids much more enjoyable. For instance, the iCandy Orange is an all-in-one option that can be used to carry twins (or one toddler and a baby) with both car seats facing either backward or forward and even a third seat using the 'piggyback' board (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light weight, swivel wheels, and suspension allow it to be easily moved in the city and over rough terrain.
Other side-by-side models such as the Joie Evalite Duo are also extremely light and have a smaller footprint, making them easy to fit through doors and on public transport and often you can store them with seats still attached. They do require more effort to push over kerbs, and they can be tricky 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 it can also be used as a single double stroller buggy thanks to its unique frame that expands widthways and a height adjustable handle making it really easy to steer with only one hand.
If you intend to use public transport a lot, consider whether you'll require a double buggy that has big wheels, as they are able to be more tolerant of 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 see if your boot will be capable of accommodating it. If you reside in a small town or village and have narrow roads, you should consider a double buggy that has the child sits behind the other rather than in front of them, as this will make it easier to navigate tight spaces.
Storage is readily available
A double buggy isn't a necessity for every family but it makes outings more manageable for those with toddlers and newborns. If you're looking for a light model that's easy to maneuver take a look at the variety of side-by-side double buggies. They have a large storage basket underneath and a rear and side pockets that can be used to store your baby's essentials. You'll also find many models with adjustable handles to suit parents of different heights and fold up in a neat, compact form ideal for use in small spaces or for tucking away in the boot.
All-terrain double buggys are good option if you're looking for a stronger model. They are usually twins and are more difficult to maneuver however, they're usually equipped with a reclining seat designed for infants and older children and are a good option for outdoor enthusiasts as well as active families. Some models can be converted into Joggers, making them ideal for running or exercising.
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 close in age, but it's worth looking over the specs of any model you're considering to ensure that it's a good fit for your needs.
There are two kinds of double buggys that are tandem and twin. In tandem the seat is placed on top of the other. The main advantage of a twin buggy is that your children can interact, rather than having to take turns or argue over who has the top spot. Twin buggy can be larger and make it more difficult to navigate through aisles and doorways at the grocery store.
Tandem buggies are generally a bit shorter however they're still more than single models. They're also less stable and could require dismantling in order to fit in your car's boot. The majority of double buggies come with an independent seat recline, which is now a standard feature. Be sure that the model allows you to adjust each child's seat to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for both parents and children are the best. Make sure you check the padding of the straps and the amount of recline each seat can attain. Also, check if the seats can be adjusted separately so that you can adjust to your child's needs. Be sure to check the weight limit, and if they both have a hood or sun canopy that protects from wind and rain.
Consider a baby carrier to replace a double buggy with carrycot stroller. They are ideal for toddlers who wish to walk but require the comfort of a ride. They're also ideal for newborns and babies. Some carriers can also be used with a child car seat to give you more flexibility.
Some parents believe that a side-by-side double buggy is the best option. However, there are some innovative models available, such as the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxurious in herringbone. It is the lightest double buggy side by side available on the market.
The Wave tandem buggies made by Mamas & Papas are another smart choice. They come with more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's initially a single pushchair, but you can add a second seat or carrycot (and sometimes a third one) to the frame by using adaptors, allowing you to have the option of a variety of seating options. It's easy to steer, has a great suspension, and Lab experts really liked the ease of fold: You simply pull the straps up (one under each seat) and the whole unit folds in a matter of minutes.
Double buggys are an investment that will last for many years. They also come with a decent resale price. When comparing prices, remember that it is best to purchase an established brand as this will help you to secure additional accessories and upgrades in the future. Some of our best-rated double buggies come with a useful changing Bag & Carrier in the price. This is a must-have accessory that'll save you time and hassle when you have to travel with your children.