Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to consider. We spoke to 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 will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle difficult terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you prefer?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can be used as prams and have recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, fold easily and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a significant amount, you should make sure that the buggy be easily moved with the folded wheels in your boot and taken out.
lightest double stroller may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers strollers, or even in one as a child. They are ideal for older siblings who wish to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with numerous seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They are usually simple to navigate, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they are able to easily 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 sits behind the first rather than over it. They're typically bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and three children 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 generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a high resale value. They are easy to steer and feature large storage bins. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and "cinema seating" for your older child.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the best way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children are seated together or tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies are smaller 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 one?
A younger sibling can feel like quite an enormous responsibility initially, particularly when you must tend to the infant. They might be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one to the side and having a double buggy from the start can make things easier. It can also help your child get into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins since they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also offers different configuration options, including the second seat to create an infant bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This nifty buggy is a single-pushchair that can be transformed into double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on 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 a travel system?
Double buggies can be an excellent way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't required for every family. You might be able to use one stroller and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that allow your child and you to ride on their backs or in the front.
If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to pick from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. The two seats are set parallel to each other, so your children can see each other. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with one seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can still be long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are great as they allow you to transform your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until he/she is ready to step to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example of this - it can be used with twins, a toddler and one or more children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.
Once your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your kids may not always be comfortable in a stroller and might get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.
So, before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning, take some time to think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller will simplify life, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.