Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are plenty of aspects to consider. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have investment for families with active children This buggy will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.
What style of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting two children at the same time even if they're not the same age. They can be used as prams, and they have the ability to recline within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, fold easily and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you drive a great amount, you should ensure that the buggy can be easily maneuvered with the folded wheels in your boot and taken out.
The most common type of double buggy is the side-byside one, which you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs or even ridden in as a kid. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have numerous seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They are usually simple to steer, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they are able to effortlessly handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by sides, are also very popular. 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 however, so make sure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three children with 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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and come with a premium cost of resale. They're generally simple to steer, feature an enormous storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the ideal way to transport your children, no matter if 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 can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in size to fit through doors. Tandems are typically wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have a baby?
A younger sibling can be an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the baby. A double buggy may help them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they get to be 'big brother or sister' and help them get used to their new role.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a good option for twins since each child will get 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 fixed seats. It also comes with a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat for a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and love to explore. This innovative buggy starts with a single pushchair but can be converted into a double, which can include a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has lots of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a traveling system?
double stroller Pushchairs And Prams are excellent to transport your children around in comfort but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to get by with a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child around on their back or in front of you.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side-by-side as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats positioned near each other, meaning that your children can see each one another. They are larger than a single stroller and may be difficult to maneuver around the kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact, with one seat in the front and another at the back. However they can be quite heavy and difficult to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic as they allow you to transform your stroller to a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until he or she is ready to move to 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 kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children become older and more capable and able, you can get a double buggy to accompany them on cycling trips or other day trips where they may prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they may not prefer to ride in a buggy and could easily be tired and disgruntled on longer outings.
Before you make the decision to buy a double buggy from birth, take some time to take a look at the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller will make life much easier particularly if you have to navigate busy streets or bustling shopping centres.