Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many things to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the time of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her advice on everything ranging from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.
A must-have for families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins to toddlers. It is light, has great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do 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 and come with a reclining mechanism in each seat, so your children can lie down in different positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, easy to fold and small enough to fit into the car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and 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're ideal for older siblings or twins who want to keep pace with you. They also come in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They are usually simple to steer, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they will easily handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by sides, are also very popular. The second seat is placed behind the first rather than on the top. The seats are usually bigger and bulkier than a traditional side by side, so you should check whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, a baby or three children by 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're generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of versatility and a good price for resales. They are easy to steer and come with large storage bins. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to transport them around. There are two types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated together or tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. double pram and pushchair can accommodate two seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
A younger sibling can feel like an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy can also make it easier for them to feel included if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also give your child 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.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins as 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 with a unique frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options, including the second seat for an infant bassinet.
If you prefer, we suggest an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This clever buggy can start with a single pushchair but is then convertible into a double by adding an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you might be able to make do with a single stroller and some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child around on their back or in front of you.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats positioned next to each other, meaning that your children will be able to see each other. However, these are generally larger than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are small, with one seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they allow you to convert your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until he or is ready to step into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they might prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your children may not always like to be in a stroller and might become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
Before you invest in a double stroller, take into consideration the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life easier, particularly when you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.