Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. 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 active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy would you like?
Double buggys are great for transporting up to two children at the same time even if they're not the same age. They can be used as prams and come with recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into the car boot. If you travel a lot amount, you should ensure that the buggy can be easily pushed around with the wheels folded in your car boot, and then removed.
You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with many seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your children to choose from. These are usually easy to navigate, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they will easily handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. The seats are usually larger and heavier than a traditional side by side and you must ensure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and 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 are generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of versatility and a good price for resales. They're generally simple to steer, feature large storage bins and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the best option to move them around. There are two primary types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated together, and tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be more spacious overall. They can also accommodate both a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
Being a parent to a child can feel like quite a big responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the baby. double pram and pushchair may make it easier for them to feel included if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they get to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy that features an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also comes with a variety of configuration options including using the second seat as the bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are keen to explore. This clever buggy can start with a single pushchair but is then convertible into a double by adding the place of a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and comes with a variety of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.
Do you need a 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 children you may be able to do with just a single stroller and some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry 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 two seats next to each other, so your children will be able to see each one another. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are small, with one seat in the front and another at the back. However, they can be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until he or she is ready to move into the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great illustration - it could be used with twins or a toddler, an infant, or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children become older and more capable to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them to bike rides or day excursions in which they prefer to walk. It is important to keep in mind that your kids may not always be comfortable in a stroller and might become tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, consider the factors mentioned above and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you have to navigate busy streets or busy malls.