Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of aspects to consider. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her tips on everything from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.
A must-have purchase for families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins to toddlers. It is light, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do want?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting two children at the same time even if they're not of the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight that folds easily and are small enough to fit in your car's boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels and to take in and out of your car boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mums strollers or even in one as a child. They are perfect for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They are generally easy to navigate, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they will easily handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first, instead of sitting on top of it. They're typically wider than a side-by-side and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, a baby or three children by the addition of an extra 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 resale value. They are easy to steer and come with a large storage basket. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and "cinema seating" for your older child.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the ideal method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated over 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 generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seats.
Do you have a child?
Being a parent to a child can feel like a big responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the baby. A double buggy can also help them to feel included if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child settle into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a good option for twins, since both children will share the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy that features an innovative frame that expands in width and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also provides a variety of configuration options including using the second seat for the bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and like to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair that can be transformed into a double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has lots of clever features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are a great way to transport your children safely. However, they are not necessary for every family. You could get by with just one stroller and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that allow your child and you to be able to travel on their backs, or in front.
If you do opt for a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats positioned close to each other, meaning that your children will be able to see each one another. They are wider than a single stroller, and aren't easy to maneuver through kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option, with one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However they can be quite heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your baby comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.
Once double strollers are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they may not desire to be in a buggy and can easily be tired and disgruntled on longer outings.
Before you make the decision to buy a double buggy from birth be sure to consider the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A durable and reliable double buggy can make life easier, particularly when you need to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.