Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is essential for active families. It will grow with your family, from twins to toddlers. It is light and movable, and is able to handle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy would you like?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can be used as prams and have a reclining mechanism within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lay down in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit into your car boot. If you travel a lot deal, it's important to check that the buggy can be easily maneuvered with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.
You might have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers strollers or even in one as a kid. They are perfect for twins who are older or who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating options such as 'cinema seats'. They're usually easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model with soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first, rather than on the top. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's essential to make sure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins, a baby and toddler or three kids with the inclusion 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-byside buggies, but they offer plenty of flexibility and a very high cost of resale. They are easy to steer and have a large storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best way to transport your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting above the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are typically larger overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
At beginning the idea of having a younger sibling may feel like a lot of responsibility especially if you are also caring for the infant. They might be a bit irritated when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older one to the side and so having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life simpler. It will aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins because they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with a unique frame that expands in width and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also provides a variety of configuration options including using the second seat as a bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This nifty buggy is a single pushchair that can be transformed into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it includes a number of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies can be an excellent way to transport your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children 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 on their back or in front of you.
There are three different types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats positioned near each other, which means your children will be able to see each other. They are larger than a single stroller and may be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option, with one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and difficult to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by securing the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your child in the car seat until is ready to step to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic illustration of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they might prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that your children might not always like to be in a stroller, and may get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.
Before you invest in a double stroller, take into consideration the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can make life much easier particularly if you have to navigate busy streets or crowded shopping centres.