Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from 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 for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is lightweight with great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy would you prefer?
Double buggys are perfect for transporting two children at the same time even if they're not of the same age. They can be used as prams and come with a reclining mechanism within each seat, allowing your children can lay down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space to store everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They are usually light that folds easily and are small enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy's ease of use using the folded wheels, and also to get out and back into your boot.
The most popular type of double buggy is the side-by-side, which you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. They're great for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating configurations and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. These are usually easy to navigate, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they will easily navigate kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular choice as they're typically more maneuverable than a side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first one, instead of over it. They're generally bigger than a side-byside and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a 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 and side-by-side buggies, however they provide plenty of flexibility and come with a premium cost of resale. They are easy to steer and have large storage bins. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. double pushchair have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child is seated over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
At beginning having a younger sibling may seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the infant. A double buggy can make it easier for them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with a sense of pride as they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their role.
Side-by-side buggies can be a great option for twins, since both children will share the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands widthways to take two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, including using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who are keen to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are excellent for bringing your kids around in comfort however they're not essential for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you may be able to make do using a single stroller with some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child on their backs or in front of you.
There are three different types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are set side-by-side, so your children will be able to see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to navigate over the kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and one in the rear, but they are still long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are great because they allow you to convert your stroller to a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent illustration - it could be used with twins or a toddler, an infant, or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.
When your children are older and have more endurance, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they might not always prefer to ride in a buggy and can easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
So, before you decide to invest in a double buggy from birth make sure you think about the above points and the particular circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make life easier, particularly when you are required to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.