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 will enable you to navigate through urban areas and off-road trails with ease whilst making sure that your children are comfortable and happy.
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a double buggy. First, make sure it can fit through your doorway and into your car boot when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second child is a thrilling prospect, but there are plenty of practical considerations. The addition of another child to the family will require changing the layout of living spaces, thinking about car seats, and of course, purchasing the latest double buggy.
If you're looking to purchase twins or need something a little more compact there are plenty of excellent options on the market. Our experts at the lab recommend iCandy Peach because it comes with a number of accessories that rival brands will cost additional fees for. It also folds up extremely neatly to make it easier to store in your boot. Testers find it rolls well and is a breeze to manoeuvre. However, it may feel a little long when you're in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies can be great to keep your kids together but they tend to be wider than a single buggy, which can make them hard 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 width as the single pushchair. This makes it easy to fit through doors and public transport. It's compatible with a variety of car seats and will expand with your family It can also be used as a mono or tandem buggy when your children are old enough to sit side by side.
Its height adjustable handle is great for steering, and the suspension makes light work of slick surfaces. It's ideal for older children since the seat is elevated stadium style. This allows them to have a better view of the action. It's not quite as light as other models, however it's still a great choice.
It's important that you choose the right double buggy that is easy to push. Find a handle that's well-padded and shaped to match your height, and a large basket with many pockets and compartments. If you're not using your buggy, it's worth considering how easily it folds and can be stored.
Easy to maneuver
There are some incredible double buggies on the market that make getting out and about with two kids much more enjoyable. 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 forward or backward and even a third one with piggyback boards (sold separately). Its slim, sleek frame with swivel wheels on the front and suspension ensure it's easy to maneuver through town and on rough terrain.
The Joie Evalite Duo is another side-by-side model that is extremely light and has a small footprint. They can be easily stored with the seats attached. However, they require some more strength to push them over kerbs and are more difficult to maneuver on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be used in tandem mode with both seats/carrycots, but it can also be used to push a single buggy. Its innovative frame expands widthways.
If you are planning to use public transport frequently you might want to consider a double buggy that has large wheels. They are more suited to rough or uneven surfaces. Also, consider the ease with which you can fold and unfold the buggy, as well as the width when folded to determine whether your car is enough to hold it. If you reside in an area that has narrow streets, choose a double stroller that has the child is seated behind their partner rather than beside them. This will make it easier to maneuver in narrow spaces.
Storage is plentiful and readily available
Double buggies aren't necessary for every family, but they can make outings easier for those with infants and toddlers. Take a look at the side-by-side buggies for an easy-to-drive, lightweight model. These have a large basket under and a rear and side pockets that can be used to store the essentials for your baby. There are many models that feature adjustable handles to suit parents of different heights. They fold up in a neat, compact form suitable to be used in tight spaces or to stow away in the boot.
If you want a more robust double buggy, consider one of the all-terrain models. They're typically twins, and are more difficult to maneuver, but often come with a reclining seat that is great for toddlers and babies. They're a great option for active family members. Certain models can be converted into Joggers, making them ideal for running or exercising.
Many of the top double buggies will be able to accommodate a variety of combinations of seats, carrycots, and car seats. This makes them a great option for families with twins or children who are similar in age, but it's worth looking over the specifications of any model you're thinking about to ensure it's a good fit for your needs.
There are two primary types of double buggy: twin that is where your children sit side-by-side, and tandem where one seat is in front of the other. A twin buggy has the main advantage that children can play together, rather than fighting over who sits in the front. However, twin buggys are usually wider and can be difficult to navigate through the supermarket's doorways and aisles.
Tandem buggies are generally smaller however they're still more than single models. They're also less stable when going up kerbs, and may require dismantling to fit in your car's boot. Most double buggies have recline that is independent, which is now a standard feature. Make sure your chosen model can be adjusted by the child's seat to a position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
A good double buggy should give both parents and children plenty of comfort. Be sure to look for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat can do and whether the seats are independently adjustable so you can adapt to your child's needs as they grow. Check the weight limits too and if they have a sun canopy as well as a hood to protect the seats from rain and wind.
If you're looking for an adaptable alternative to a double pushchair , think about a baby carrier. They are suitable for toddlers who would like to walk but need to ride in a car, and they're also great for newborns and infants. Some carriers can be paired with a car seat to give greater flexibility.
Some parents believe that a side by side double buggy is the most practical option. However there are a few innovative models on the market, like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxurious in herringbone. It is the tiniest double buggy side by side on the market.
The Wave from Mamas & Papas is another clever option that provides more configuration options than most other tandem buggies. It's initially a single pushchair, but you can add an additional seat or carrycot (and sometimes a third one) to the frame with adaptors, giving you the option of a variety of seating options. It's smooth to steer, is extremely stable and Lab experts really liked how easy it was to fold: You simply pull the straps up (one under each seat) and the entire unit folds in a matter of minutes.
Double buggys are a good investment that will last for years. They also offer a reasonable resales cost. When comparing prices, remember that it is best to purchase an established brand as this will allow you to get additional accessories and upgrades in the future. For this link , some of our top-rated double buggies come with an easy Changing Bag and Carrier included in the cost. This is an essential accessory that will save you time and stress on the day you need to travel with your kids.