Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the moment of birth. 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 a must-have for active families. It will grow with your family from toddlers to twins. It is light, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you prefer?
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 has a reclining mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, fold easily and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you travel a lot amount, you should ensure that the buggy can be easily pushed around with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-byside one, which you've likely seen on other moms' pushchairs or even rode in 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 toddlers to choose from. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are a popular choice as they're typically easier to turn than a side-by-side. The second seat is located behind the first rather than on top. The seats are typically wider and bulkier than a traditional side by side, so you should check whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three kids with the inclusion 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 tend to be more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of versatility and a good resale value. They are easy to steer and feature large storage bins. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with an integrated ride-on board that can be used as cinema seating for your older child.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the best option to move them around. There are two types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies in which your children sit together and tandem buggies in which one child is placed above the other. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have one?
At beginning having a younger sibling may feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, particularly if you're also taking care of the baby. They may be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling to the side and so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make things simpler. It can also help your child settle into their new role as big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins because they allow both children to have the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start as a single pushchair and can be converted into a double, taking the place of a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and comes with a variety of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a business travel system?
Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children in comfort. However, they are not necessary for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you might be able to get by using a single stroller with some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child around on their back or in front of you.
If you do opt for a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side-by-side as well as convertible. The two seats are set in a row, so that your children will be able to see one another. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are an easier way to travel with one seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can still be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are great as they allow you to transform your stroller to an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up safely in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example - it can be used with twins, a toddler and one or more children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
If your children have grown older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they might prefer to walk. But, it's important to remember that they may not prefer to ride in a buggy and could easily get tired and angry during longer trips.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above and your family's unique situation. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life simpler, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.