Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the perfect double buggy from the time 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.
A must-have investment for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy would you like?
A double buggy is great for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat comes with a reclining mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, easy to fold and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's important to make sure the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and back into your boot.
You might have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers' 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 and typically have a large number of seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your children to choose from. They're usually pretty easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model with a soft suspension, make light work of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first and not on the top. The seats are typically larger and heavier than a side-by-side however, so make sure whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and a baby or three children 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 and tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of versatility and a good price for resales. They're generally simple to steer, feature a huge storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best method of transporting your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting above the other, and side-byside buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in size to fit through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. off road double buggy pushchairsandprams can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
At beginning having a younger sibling may feel like a lot of responsibility, particularly if you're also caring for the infant. A double buggy can help children to feel included when you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child get into their new role as big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc with its innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This clever buggy is a single-pushchair which can be made double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You may be able get by with just a single stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in the front.
If you do opt for 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 will be able to see one another. They are wider than a single stroller and can be difficult to navigate around kerbs. Tandem buggies are small, with one seat in the front and a second one at the back. However, they can be heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic as they allow you to transform 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 is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent illustration - it could be used for twins, a toddler and a baby or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
As your children grow older and more able and able, you can get a double buggy to accompany them to bicycle rides or for day trips in which they prefer walking. It's important to remember that your children may not always be comfortable in a stroller, and may be tired and irritable during longer trips.
So, before you decide to purchase a double buggy at the time of birth, take some time to take a look at the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A solid and reliable double stroller will make life much easier particularly if you have to travel through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.