The Ugly Truth About Double Buggy
A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy from birth buggy will be essential for families with more than one child. It allows you to navigate through urban areas and off-road trails with ease whilst keeping the kids comfortable and content.
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a double buggy. Check that it can fit through your car boot and doorway when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second baby is an exciting possibility, but there are a lot of practical considerations. The addition of a child to the family can mean reorganising living spaces, rethinking car seats and, of course, buying the latest double buggy.
There are plenty of great alternatives available, whether you're looking for twins or simply need something a bit smaller. Our experts from the lab recommend the iCandy Peach because it comes with a variety of accessories that competitors will charge additional fees for. It also folds up extremely neatly to take up less space in your boot. It rolls smoothly and is easy to maneuver. However, it could seem a bit long if you're using it in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies are great for keeping your children together however they are generally wider than a single buggy which can make them hard to navigate up and down kerbs. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm wide, is the slimmest available. It's easy to get through doors and into public transportation. It's compatible with a variety of car seats and will grow 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.
The suspension is excellent for rough surfaces, and its adjustable height makes steering a breeze. It's great for older children, as the seat is elevated in a stadium style. This allows them to have a better view of the action. It's not as light as some other models on this list, but it's still a nippy option.
It's important that you choose a double buggy that's comfortable to push. Find a handle that's comfortable and well-shaped to fit your height, as well as an ample basket that has plenty of compartments and pockets. It's also worth checking how easy it is to fold and put away your buggy when not using it.
Easy to manoeuvre
There are some amazing new double buggies available that make getting out and about with two children much easier. 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 seats/carrycots facing forward or backward and even a third seat using a 'piggyback board' (sold separately). Its light, sleek frame, swivel front wheels and suspension make it easy to maneuver around town and over rough terrain.
The Joie Evalite Duo is another side-byside model that's extremely light and has a compact double buggy footprint. They can be easily put away with the seats attached. They do 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 mode but can also be used as a single buggy thanks to its unique frame that expands widthways and a height adjustable handle which makes it easy to steer with only one hand.
If you intend to use public transportation frequently it is advisable to consider a double-buggy that has big wheels. These are better suited to rough or uneven surfaces. Find out the ease to fold and unfold, as well as the size of the buggy when folded, to see if it will fit in your boot. If you reside in a small town or village with narrow roads, you should consider a tandem double buggy (why not look here) where the child is seated behind the other, rather than next to them, as this will make it easier to navigate tight spaces.
Storage is plentiful and readily available
Double buggies aren't necessary for every family, but they do make outings easier for those with infants and toddlers. Check out the side-by-side buggies if you're looking for a lightweight, easy-to-steer model. They have a large storage basket under and a rear and side pockets that can be used to store the necessities for your baby. There are many models with adjustable handles that are suited to parents of different heights. They fold in a neat, compact form suitable for small spaces or for tucking away in the boot.
All-terrain double buggys are a excellent option for those looking for a stronger model. These tend to be twin and can be more difficult to manoeuvre but they're often equipped with a reclining seat designed for newborns and older infants and are a good choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Some permit you to transform the buggy into a jogger, making them ideal for exercise and running.
A lot of the top double buggies can be used with various combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats. They are a great choice for families with twins, or siblings of similar age. However, it's important to check the specifications of the model you're considering.
There are two main types of double buggy: twin which is where your children are side-by-side, and tandem, where one seat is in front of the other. A twin buggy has one main benefit that your children are able to interact instead of fighting over who should sit in the front. However, twin buggys tend to be wider and may be difficult to navigate through the supermarket's doorways and aisles.
Tandem buggies tend to be smaller however, they're still longer than single models. They are also less stable and could require dismantling in order to fit into your car's boot. The majority of double buggies feature recline for the seat independently and recline, which is now a standard feature. Make sure that the model has the ability to adjust each child's seats to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
Double buggys that are comfortable for both parents and children are the best. Check the padding of the straps and the amount of recline each seat can attain. Also, make sure that the seats can be adjusted independently so that you can adapt to your child's needs. Check the weight limits too and if they have a sun canopy or an hood to protect them from wind and rain.
If you're looking for a versatile alternative to a double buggy that converts to single pushchair then think about a baby carrier. They can be used for toddlers who are looking to walk but require an adult ride. they're also great for infants and newborns. Some carriers can be used with a car seat for children, giving you even more flexibility.
Many parents find a side-by-side double buggy the most comfortable to use, but there are some truly innovative models out there like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone which is extremely thin and is the lightest side-by-side double buggy that converts to single buggy on the market (it's the same width as a single stroller).
The Wave tandem buggies made by Mamas & Papas are another smart choice. They offer more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's designed as a single pushchair, but you can add a second seat or carrycot (and sometimes a third one) to the frame with adaptors, which gives you an array of seating options. It's smooth to steer, has a great suspension, and Lab experts really liked how easy it was to fold. You just pull up on two straps (one under each seat) and the whole unit folds in a matter of minutes.
A double buggy is an investment, but you'll be able to make use of it for many years and also have an acceptable resale value. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it's best to purchase an item from a reputable brand, as it will allow you to get additional accessories and upgrades in the future. The top-rated double buggies come with a convenient changing Bag and Carrier for the price. This is an essential item that will help you save time and hassle on the day you need to travel with your babies.