Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her suggestions on everything from seating options and age groups, to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is essential for active families. It grows with your family, from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can handle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat is equipped with a reclining mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, fold up easily and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy's maneuverability with the wheels folded and also to get in and out of your boot.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with many seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to choose from. They're generally easy to drive and, if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.
Tandem buggies are also a popular option because they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first instead of on top of it. They're generally bigger than a side-byside and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a 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 are generally more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and a high price for resales. They're generally simple to steer, feature an enormous storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient way to transport your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be smaller in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have one?
At beginning, having a younger sibling could seem like a lot of responsibility especially if you are also taking care of the baby. They might be a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling ahead and having a double buggy from the start can make things simpler. It will also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their new role.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a good option for twins, as both children will share the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also offers different configuration options including using the second seat as a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who love to explore. This clever buggy can start with a single pushchair but can be converted into a double, taking an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it includes a number of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies are an ideal way to move your children in comfort. However they aren't necessary for every family. You could get by with just one stroller, and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that allow you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in front.
If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three types to pick from: side-by-side as well as convertible. The two seats are positioned in a row, so that your children can see each other. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an easier way to travel with a single seat in the front and another in the rear, but they are still long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert a single stroller into double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until she is ready to move to the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great illustration - it could be used for twins as well as a toddler and one or more children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.
Once double tandem pushchair are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they'd prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they might not always desire to be in a buggy and could easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.
So, before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning make sure you think about the above points and the particular circumstances of your family. A durable and reliable double buggy can make life easier, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.