Blog entry by Maryann Tebbutt
A Double Buggy Is a Must-Have For Families With Two Kids
A double buggy is an essential item for families with two kids. You can travel through urban streets or off-road trails easily while keeping your kids comfortable and happy.
When choosing a double stroller, there are a lot of things to consider. First, make sure it can fit through your doorway and into your car boot when folded.
Lightweight
Bringing home a second child is an exciting possibility, but there are a lot of practical issues to be considered. Addition of a second child to the family requires changing the layout of living spaces, thinking about car seats, and investing in a double buggy.
There are a variety of options available regardless of whether you're looking for twins or just want something that is narrow. Our lab experts recommend the iCandy Peach, which comes with a range of accessories that competitors cost extra for and can fold up very well to take up little space in your boot. It's easy to maneuver and rolls well, as per testers. It can feel a bit long when in double mode.
Side-by-side buggies work well for keeping kids together however they can be slightly larger than a single stroller. This can make it difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury, with its 63cm width is the tiniest on the market. It is easy to pass through doors and into public transport. It's compatible with a variety of car seats and can grow with your family It can also be used as a mono and tandem buggy when your children are old enough to sit side by side.
The height-adjustable handle is ideal for steering, and the suspension makes light work of rough surfaces. It's a great choice for older children, since it comes with a seat that's elevated to give them a better view of the action. It's not as light as other models, but it's still an excellent choice.
You'll be pushing your double buggy a lot so it's crucial to select one that is at ease to push. Look for a handle with a cushioned grip that is made to fit your height. Also, look for a large basket with many compartments and pockets. If you're not using your buggy, you should consider taking a look at how it folds up and stored.
Easy to Manoeuvre
There are some amazing strollers double buggies on the market that allow two children to travel much easier. The iCandy Orange, for example, is a multi-purpose option that can be used to accommodate twins or one toddler and one baby with both car seats facing forwards or backwards. It can also accommodate a third kid using piggyback's board (sold separately). Its sleek frame, light weight with swivel wheels and suspension make it easy to move in the city and over 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 put away with the seats attached. However, they do require a bit more muscle to get over kerbs, and can be trickier on uneven surfaces. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be used in tandem mode with both car seats and seat however, it can also be used to push one buggy. Its clever frame expands widthways.
If you plan to use public transportation a lot, consider whether you'll require a double buggy with large wheels as these tend to cope better with rough or uneven surfaces. Also, consider how easy it is to fold and unfold the buggy as well as the width when folded to determine whether your car is capable of accommodating it. If you live in an area with narrow streets, consider a tandem double stroller where the child is placed behind their companion, instead of behind them. This makes it easier to maneuver around narrow spaces.
A lot of storage
A double buggy isn't a necessity for every family, but it can make outings easier for those with toddlers or newborns. If you're looking for a lightweight twin buggy model that's easy to steer, check out the range of side-by-side smallest Double Buggy buggies. They come with a large basket beneath as well as side and rear pockets to store all the necessities for your baby. A lot of models come with handles that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of different heights. They also fold neatly to a compact size which makes them perfect for use in small areas or in the boot.
If you want a more robust double buggy, you can choose one of the all-terrain models. They are typically twins, and are more difficult to maneuver, but often have a reclining seat that is great for toddlers and infants. They're an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and active family members. Certain models can be converted into Joggers, making them ideal for running or exercising.
Many of the best double buggies are able to accommodate a variety of combinations of car seats, carrycots and seats. This makes them a great option for families with twins or siblings that are close in age, but it's worth looking over the specifications of any model you're considering to make sure it will fit your requirements.
There are two types of double buggys that are tandem and twin. In tandem, one seat is placed behind the other. The primary benefit of twin buggy is that your children will be able to interact, rather than having to switch places or argue over who gets the prime spot. However, twin buggys tend to be wider and may be difficult to navigate through doorways and supermarket aisles.
Tandem buggies tend to be a little shorter than single buggies, however they are nonetheless longer. They're also less stable and could require dismantling to fit in your car boot. Recline-based seats are now a fairly standard feature on most double buggies. So, ensure that the model will let you adjust each child's seat to the position that they are most comfortable in.
Comfort
A good double buggy with carrycot buggy should provide both parents and children plenty of comfort. Check for padding on the straps, how much recline each seat can do and if the seats are independently adjustable so that you can adjust them as your children develop. Also, check the weight limit and whether both come with a sun canopy or an hood to protect your children from rain and wind.
Consider using a baby carrier as an alternative to a double stroller. They can be used by toddlers who are looking to walk but require a ride on board and they are also ideal for infants and newborns. Some carriers can be paired with a car seat to give more flexibility.
Many parents consider a side-by-side double buggy to be the most convenient to navigate, but there are some truly innovative models out there like the Mountain Buggy Duet Luxury in herringbone which is amazingly slim and is the tiniest double buggy with a side-by-side layout available (it's the same width as a single stroller).
The Wave tandem buggies made by Mamas & Papas are another smart choice. They provide more configuration options than other tandem buggies. It's a single-pushchair and then you can add a second or carrycot to the frame using adaptors. This offers a variety of seating options. It is easy to control, has an excellent suspension and Lab experts were amazed by how simple it was fold. Simply pull up on the two straps (one under each seat) and then you can fold the whole thing in seconds.
Double buggys are a good investment that will last for years. They also come with a decent resale cost. When comparing prices, keep in mind that it is best to purchase an established brand as this will allow you to get extra accessories and upgrades in the future. Some of our best-rated double single pushchair buggies come with a convenient Changing Bag and Carrier for the price. This is a must-have accessory that will save you time, hassle and money when you travel with your baby.