Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to consider. 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.
A must-have investment for families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy would you prefer?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting up to two children at a time even if they're not the same age. They can also serve as prams. Each seat is equipped with a reclining mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, fold easily and small enough to fit into your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's important to make sure the buggy's ease of use with the folded wheels and to take out and back into your car boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mums strollers or even in one as a kid. They're ideal for twins or older siblings who want to keep up with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They're generally easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by sides, are also popular. The second seat is located behind the first and not on the top. The seats are generally bigger and bulkier than a side by side, so you should check that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three kids with the addition 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're more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer plenty of flexibility and a very high selling price. They are easy to steer and come with an ample storage basket. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with an integrated ride-on board that can be used as cinema seating for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies in which your children sit side by side, and tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate both a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
Being a parent to a child can be a big responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the baby. A double buggy can also allow them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with a sense of pride as they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their new role.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a great option for twins, as each child will get the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy that features an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also comes with a variety of configuration options, including the second seat to create a bassinet.
If you prefer, we suggest the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This clever buggy can start with a single pushchair but is then convertible 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 it includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't required for every family. You may be able use one stroller, and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow you and your child to travel on their backs or in front.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats near each other, so your children can see each one another. They are wider than a single stroller and aren't easy to maneuver over the kerbs. double stroller with bassinet are compact, with one seat at the front and another at the back. However, they can be heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they allow you to convert your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent illustration - it could be used for twins or a toddler, one or more children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
When double stroller for twins are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they'd prefer walking. It's important to remember that your kids may not always be comfortable in a stroller and might get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning make sure you take a look at the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify life especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.