Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are many aspects to consider. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is essential for active families. It will grow with your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy would you like?
Double buggys are great for transporting two children at once, even if they are not the same age. They can also serve as prams and have recline mechanisms within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They are usually light, fold easily, and compact enough to fit in your car's boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy's ease of use with the folded wheels and to take out and into your boot.
The most common type of double buggy is the side by side one, which you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a kid. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have a large number of seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to choose from. They're generally easy to drive and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular option because they're easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on the top. The seats are typically larger and heavier than a traditional side by side, so you should check that they will fit through doors or on 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 generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and have a great resale value. They're generally easy to steer, have large storage bins and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models even come with built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient method of transporting your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are double stroller sale of double buggy: side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated side by side, and tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seat.
Do you have one?
A younger sibling can be an enormous responsibility initially, particularly when you must tend to the baby. They may be feeling a little secluded when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling to the side and so having a double buggy from birth will make life easier. It can also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they are able to be "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their new role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins as they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy that features an innovative frame that expands in width and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also comes with a variety of configuration options, including the second seat as the bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and like to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair which can be made double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has numerous thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are ideal for transporting your children around in comfort but they're not essential for every family. You could use one stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit you and your child to ride on their backs or in the front.
There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats that are close to each other, which means your children can see each one another. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and another in the rear, but they can be still quite long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until he/she is able to climb up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this - it's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children become older and more capable and able, you can get double buggys to accompany them to cycling trips or other day trips where they might prefer walking. But, it's important to remember that they may not always want to be in a buggy and can easily get tired and angry on longer outings.
So, before you decide to purchase a double buggy from birth be sure to consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life simpler, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or busy malls.