Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are a lot of 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's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy would you prefer?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy's maneuverability with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and back into your car boot.
The most common type of double buggy is the side-byside that you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in 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 and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They are generally easy to steer, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies are a popular choice as they're typically easier to turn than a side-by-side. The second seat is located behind the first, rather than on top. They're generally wider 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 to transport twins, a toddler and three children, with 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're generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and a high resale value. description here to steer, feature a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some come with 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 types of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child sits over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
Having a younger sibling can be an enormous responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the baby. They might be a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier while you push the older one to the side, so having a double buggy from the start will make life easier. It can aid your child in settling into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins since they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This innovative buggy starts as an individual pushchair, but it can then be converted into a double, which can include a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it features numerous thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require an effective business travel system?
Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you might be able to get by using a single stroller with certain attachments such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child around on their back or in front of you.
There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats that are near each other, so your children will be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller and may be difficult to maneuver over the kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with one seat in the front and one in the rear, however they can still be large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful as they allow you to transform your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until is able to climb up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent example of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.
If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not prefer to ride in a buggy, and they could easily be tired and disgruntled on longer outings.
Before you decide to purchase a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to consider the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. Having a solid and reliable double stroller will simplify life especially if you need to travel through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.