Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from the time 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 an essential item for active families. It grows with your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight and movable, and is able to handle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy would you like?
A double buggy is great for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also be used as prams. Each seat is equipped with a reclining 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 drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a great amount, it's essential to ensure that the buggy can be easily maneuvered by folding the wheels into your car boot and removed.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other moms' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with numerous seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your children to pick from. They're usually easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model with a soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first instead of sitting on top of it. They're typically wider than a side-by-side and can be bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used for 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a very high resale price. They're generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the best way to move them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child is seated over the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.
Do you have a baby?
At beginning, having a younger sibling could feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also caring for the infant. A double buggy can allow them to feel included if you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they are able to be "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their role.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins since they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who like to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair that can be transformed into double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it features numerous thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you may be able to get by with just a single stroller and certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child around on their backs or in front of you.
If compact twin stroller pushchairsandprams decide to go with a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats positioned near each other, so your children will be able 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 a seat in 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 single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until he/she is able to climb into the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example - it can be used for twins or a toddler, an infant, or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
As your children grow older and more mobile, you can use a double buggy to accompany them to bike rides or day excursions in which they prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your children might not always like to be in a stroller, and may become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
Before you purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors mentioned above and your family's unique situation. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life easier, especially when you have to navigate busy streets or busy malls.