Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many things to take into consideration when choosing the perfect double buggy from the moment of birth. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is essential for active families. It grows with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy would you prefer?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can be used as prams and come with the ability to recline within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, easy to fold and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you travel a lot amount, you should check that the buggy can be easily maneuvered with the wheels folded in your boot and taken out.
Push Chairs And Prams of double buggy is the side by side that you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child yourself. They are perfect for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They're usually pretty easy to drive and, if you go for a model that has soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular option because they're easier to turn than side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first rather than over it. They're typically larger than a side-by-side, and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and come with a premium selling price. They are easy to steer and feature an ample storage basket. They can also 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 of different ages, a double buggy is the best way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child sits over the other, and side by side buggies. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be larger overall. They can also accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have children?
Being a parent to a child can feel like quite an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the baby. A double buggy can help them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also give your child an immense sense of pride when they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their new role.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best option for twins as they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be hefty and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy that features an innovative frame that expands in width and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options such as using the second seat as the bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This nifty buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone content.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are ideal for bringing your kids around in comfort, but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children you might be able to get by using a single stroller with 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. The two seats are positioned parallel to each other, so your children will be able to be able to see each other. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are small that has one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and difficult to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to transform one stroller into a double buggy by securing a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your infant snuggled in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can be used for twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.
If your children have grown 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 walking. It's important to keep in mind that they may not always desire to be in a buggy and can easily get tired and angry on longer outings.
Before you decide to purchase a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to take a look at the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life simpler, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.