Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of aspects to consider. 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 active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins to toddlers. It is light with great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy would you prefer?
Double buggys are great for transporting two children at a time even if they're not of the same age. They can also serve as prams and come with the ability to recline in each seat, so your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and small enough to fit into your car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy's maneuverability using the folded wheels, and also to get out and back into your car boot.
You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums strollers, or even in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with a large number of seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to pick from. They're usually pretty easy to drive and, if you opt for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of 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 the top. The seats are usually wider and bulkier than a 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, a baby or 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 tend to be more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of versatility and a good price for resales. They are easy to steer and have large storage bins. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two main types of double buggy: side-byside buggies that let your children sit side by side, and tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally wider overall. They can also be able to accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have one?
At first having a younger sibling could seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, particularly if you're also taking care of the baby. They may be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling to the side and so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make everything easier. It will also give your child a sense of pride as they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them get used to their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins because they allow both children to have the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy that features an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options including using the second seat as a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who like to explore. This innovative buggy starts as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double, taking an additional seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that are sure to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children in a comfortable way. However, they are not necessary for every family. double buggy with car seat may be able use a single stroller, and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler straps that allow your child and you to ride on their backs or in front.
There are three different types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats that are near each other, which means your children can see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller and aren't easy to maneuver through kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact, with one seat in the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert a single stroller into double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your infant snuggled comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great illustration of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.
Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer walking. But, it's important to remember that they may not always desire to be in a buggy and could easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
Before you decide to invest in a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller will simplify life, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.