Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are many things to take into consideration. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have for families with active children This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.
What style of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting two children at the same time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also serve as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking that the buggy's ease of use using the folded wheels, and to take out and into your car boot.
The most common type of double buggy is the side-by-side one, which you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins and typically have many seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to pick from. They're generally easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by sides, are also very popular. This is because the second seat sits behind the first instead of sitting on top of it. They're typically larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three kids with the addition 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 tend to be more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and have a great return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, have an enormous storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with a built-in ride-on board and "cinema seating" for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the best option to move 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 seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are typically wider overall. They can also accommodate both seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have a toddler?
A younger sibling can be a big responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the baby. They might be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier while you push the older sibling to the side and so having a double buggy from birth can make everything easier. It can also help your child settle into their new role of big brother or sister'.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a good option for twins since both children will have the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with a unique frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also provides a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat as a bassinet.
If you prefer, we suggest the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start as a single pushchair and is then convertible into a double by adding an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.
Do you require an effective business travel system?
Double buggies can be a great way to transport your children in comfort. However, they are not necessary for every family. You could use one stroller and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that allow you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in the front.
If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to pick from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats that are near each other, meaning that your children can see each other. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an alternative that is smaller, with a single seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can still be large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are great as they allow you to transform your stroller to an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This way, you can keep your newborn snuggled up comfortably in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great illustration - it could be used for twins, a toddler and one or more children using the optional PiggyBack Board.
As single to double pushchair pushchairsandprams grow older and more capable, you can use double buggys to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they might prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that your children might not always be comfortable in a stroller and might become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
So, before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning, take some time to think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify your life particularly if you have to travel through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.