Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are many things to consider. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have for families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you travel a lot amount, it's essential to check that the buggy can be easily maneuvered by folding the wheels into your car boot and removed.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mums strollers or even in one as a child. They're ideal for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They also come in a variety of seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. These are usually easy to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they can effortlessly handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first and not on the top. The seats are usually bigger and bulkier than a side by side however, so make sure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three children with the inclusion of a 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're more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, however they provide plenty of flexibility and a very high resale price. They're generally easy to steer, have an enormous storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have an integrated ride-on board that can be used as "cinema seating" for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the best option to move them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated over the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seat.
Do you have one?
At first, having a younger sibling could seem like a lot of responsibility, especially if you are also caring for the baby. A double buggy can also make it easier for them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will aid your child in settling into their new role as big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best option for twins since they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also provides a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat for an infant bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with a single pushchair but is then convertible into a double, taking an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with numerous thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require an automated business travel system?
Double buggies are an ideal way to move your children in comfort. However, they are not necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you might be able to do with a single stroller and some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child around on their back or in front of you.
There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats that are close to each other, which means your children will be able see each other. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair, and are difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an easier way to travel with one seat in the front and one in the rear, however they can be still quite long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by securing the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your newborn snuggled up in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.
If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer walking. It's important to remember that your kids may not always be comfortable in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled on longer outings.
So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to think about the above points and the particular circumstances of your family. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can make life much easier especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.