Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many 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, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
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 can tackle difficult terrain with ease.
What type of buggy would you like?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting up to two children at the same time, even if they are not the same age. They can also be used as prams, and they have the ability to recline within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are usually light they fold easily and are small enough to fit in your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre using the folded wheels, as well as to get it in and out of your car boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers strollers, or even in one as a child. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins and typically have numerous seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your children to pick from. They are usually simple to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they will effortlessly handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first one, instead of over it. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's essential to make sure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three kids with the addition of a buggy.
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, however they provide the flexibility of a single buggie and have a high resale price. They are easy to steer and come with an ample storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your older child.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to transport them around. There are two main types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated side by side and tandem buggies in which one child is higher than the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width for getting through doors. side by side double stroller tend to be wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have children?
At first, having a younger sibling can feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. They might be a bit irritated if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling ahead, so having a double buggy from the start can make things easier. It can aid your child in settling into their new role of big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side buggies can be a great option for twins since each child will get the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded the width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, including using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and love to explore. This innovative buggy is a single pushchair that can be transformed into double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has lots of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require an automated travel system for your business?
Double buggies are ideal for bringing your kids around in comfort however they're not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children, you may be able to get by with a single stroller and some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child on their backs or in front of you.
There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are placed parallel to each other, so your children can see one another. They are larger than a single stroller, and aren't easy to navigate around the kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact with a seat at the front and a back seat. However, they can be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by securing an infant car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your baby comfortably in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they might not always prefer to ride in a buggy and could easily become disgruntled and tired when they are on longer excursions.
So, before you decide to purchase a double buggy from birth, take some time to consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life easier, particularly when you are required to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.