Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her advice on everything ranging from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is a must-have for active families. It will grow with your family, from twins to toddlers. pushchair twin with great manoeuvrability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are perfect for transporting up to two children at the same time, even if they are not of the same age. They can be used as prams, and they have the ability to recline in each seat, so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit in your car's boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy's ease of use using the folded wheels, and also to get out and back into your car boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They're ideal for twins who are older or who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. These are usually easy to steer, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. The second seat is located behind the first, rather than on top. The seats are generally wider and bulkier than a side by side, so you should check whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby or three children by 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're generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and have a great resale value. They are easy to steer and have a large storage basket. They also have the ability to 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?
If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child sits over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.
Do you have children?
Being a parent to a child can feel like quite an enormous responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the baby. A double buggy may make it easier for them to feel included if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also help your child get into their new role as a 'big sister or brother'.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a great choice for twins, as both children will share the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also comes with a variety of configuration options, including the second seat for the bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are keen to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair that can be transformed into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you may be able to do with just a single stroller and some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child around on their backs or in front of you.
There are three different types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats close to each other, which means your children will be able see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to navigate around the kerbs. Tandem buggies are small with a seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until is able to climb up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example - it can be used for twins, a toddler and a baby or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
As your children grow older and more mobile to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to accompany them to bicycle rides or for day trips where they may prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily be tired and disgruntled on longer outings.
Before you purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above and your family's unique circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life easier, particularly when you need to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.