Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is essential for active families. It will grow with your family, from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight, has great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy would you prefer?
A double buggy is great for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams and come with a reclining mechanism in each seat, so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit into the car boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy is easy to manoeuvre using the folded wheels, and to take out and back into your boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other moms' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings who wish to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with many seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They are usually simple to navigate, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they can easily navigate kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first rather than on the top. The seats are typically 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, 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer plenty of flexibility and come with a premium cost of resale. They are easy to steer and feature large storage bins. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your older child.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting over the other, and side by side buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems are typically larger overall. They can also be able to accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
Having a younger sibling can feel like an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. They might also feel left out if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one to the side and having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life easier. It can also help your child settle into their new role as a 'big sister or brother'.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands widthways to take two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, including the second seat being used as an infant carrier or bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This clever buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children safely. However, they are not necessary for every family. Depending on best twin stroller , and the age gap between your children you may be able to get by using a single stroller with some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child on their backs or in front of you.
If you do opt for a double buggy, there are three types to pick from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats near each other, so your children will be able to see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an easier way to travel with a single seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can still be large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert a single stroller into a double buggy by securing a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until is able to climb to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not prefer to ride in a buggy and can easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.
So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy from birth be sure to take a look at the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make life easier, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or busy malls.