Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of aspects to consider. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is an essential item for active families. It grows with your family, from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams and come with recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can lay down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a great amount, you should make sure that the buggy be easily moved with the wheels folded in your car boot, and then removed.
You might have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers strollers, or even in one as a child. They are perfect for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, make light work of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular choice as they're typically easier to turn than a side-by-side. The second seat is positioned behind the first, rather than on the top. They're generally wider than a side-by-side and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's important to check they'll fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, an infant or three children with the addition of an additional buggy board.
Lastly there are the'single-to-double' convertibles which can be used as a single pushchair from birth then convert to a double by attaching a second seat, carrycot or car seat to their clever frame. They are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a very high selling price. They're generally simple to steer, feature a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to fit through doors. Tandems are generally wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seats.
Do you have one?
At beginning having a younger sibling may seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. They might be a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older one to the side and so having a double buggy from birth can make things easier. It can also provide your child with a sense of pride as they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them get used to their new role.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to have the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy with a unique frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also provides a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat to create a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are keen to explore. This innovative buggy starts off as a single pushchair and it can then be converted into a double, taking a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with numerous thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are great to transport your children around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You could use one stroller and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit you and your child to ride on their backs or in the front.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats positioned next to each other, so your children can see each one another. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair and can be tricky to maneuver up and down kerbs. strollers double strollers are an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can still be long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to convert a single stroller into a double buggy by securing an infant car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good illustration - it could be used with twins or a toddler, a baby or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.
When your children get older and more mobile to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them on cycling trips or other day trips in which they prefer walking. But, it's important to remember that they might not always want to be in a buggy, and they could easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.
Before you purchase a double stroller, consider the factors mentioned above and your family's unique situation. A sturdy and reliable double stroller will simplify life particularly if you have to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.