Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are plenty 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 is lightweight and movable, and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat has a reclining mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, easy to fold and small enough to fit into your car boot. If you travel a significant deal, it's important to ensure that the buggy can be easily moved by folding the wheels into your car boot and removed.
You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums strollers, or even in one as a child. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with many seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your little ones to pick from. They're usually easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first rather than on top of it. 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 for twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, however they provide the flexibility of a single buggie and a very high selling price. They're generally easy to steer, come with an enormous storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best method to transport your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
Having a younger sibling can feel like an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the baby. They may be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in a baby carrier while you push the older one ahead and so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make things easier. It can aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with a unique frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options such as using the second seat as an infant bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who like to explore. This nifty buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that are sure to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a system of travel for your business?
Double buggies are excellent for bringing your kids around in comfort however they're not essential for every family. You might be able to make do with one stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler straps that allow your child and you to be able to travel on their backs, or in front.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats close to each other, which means your children will be able to see each one another. However, these are generally larger than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are small with a seat in the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they allow you to convert your stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until he/she is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.
If your children have grown 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 to walk. But, it's important to remember that they may not always want to be in a buggy and can easily get tired and angry during longer trips.
Before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning make sure you consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make life easier, particularly when you are required to navigate busy streets or busy malls.