Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of things 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.
A must-have investment for active families This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do want?
Double buggys are perfect for transporting up to two children at a time, even if they are not the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat has a reclining mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking that the buggy's ease of use with the wheels folded and also to get out and back into your boot.
The most popular type of double buggy is the side by side that you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins and typically have numerous seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to choose from. They're generally easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies are also a popular choice as they're typically more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. The seats are typically larger and heavier than a side-by-side and you must ensure whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, a baby 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 tend to be more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of versatility and a good price for resales. They're generally simple to steer, feature an enormous storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child is seated over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are typically larger overall. They can also be able to accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have one?
Being a parent to a child can feel like quite an enormous responsibility initially, particularly when you must tend to the infant. They may be a bit irritated when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling ahead, so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make everything easier. It will also help your child get into their new role as big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side buggies can be a great choice for twins, since both children will have the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with a unique frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options, including the second seat to create a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and like to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair that can be transformed into double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you require an effective business travel system?
Double buggies can be a great way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child around on their backs or in front of you.
There are small double buggy of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats close to each other, so your children can see each one another. However, they tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are a more compact alternative, with a seat in the front and another in the rear, however they are still heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they allow you to convert your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent illustration - it could be used with twins, a toddler and a baby or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.
Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they prefer walking. It's important to remember that your children might not always like to be in a stroller, and may become tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
So, before you decide to purchase a double stroller from the beginning, take some time to take a look at the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. Having a solid and reliable double stroller will simplify your life particularly if you have to navigate through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.