Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are many 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.
This buggy is an essential item for active families. It will grow with your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do want?
Double buggys are great for transporting up to two children at a time even if they're not of the same age. They can also function as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, fold up easily and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a lot amount, you should check that the buggy can be easily moved with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.
The most common type of double buggy is the side-by-side one, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. They are perfect for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in various seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They are generally easy to steer, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they will easily navigate kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first and not on the top. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a baby and toddler or three children with the addition of a buggy.
Lastly there are best double stroller -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 provide plenty of flexibility and have a great price for resales. They're generally easy to steer, have a huge storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the ideal method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds 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, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally more spacious overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seats.
Do you have children?
A younger sibling can be a big responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the baby. They may also feel left out when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling along, so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make things simpler. It can also help your child settle into their new role of big brother or sister'.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a great choice for twins, as both children will have 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 provides a variety of configuration options, including the second seat to create the bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This innovative buggy is a single pushchair that can be converted into a double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with numerous thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children in comfort. However, they are not necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children you might be able to make do using a single stroller with certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child around on their backs or in front of you.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three kinds to pick from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. The two seats are placed side-by-side, so your children can be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and aren't easy to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an easier way to travel with a single seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they can be still quite large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful as they allow you to transform your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This allows you to keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent example of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.
When 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 might prefer to walk. But, it's important to remember that they may not always want to be in a buggy and could easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller from the beginning make sure you think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.