Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are a lot of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from the moment of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her suggestions on everything from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is essential for active families. It grows with your family from toddlers to twins. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy would you like?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams, and they have a reclining mechanism in each seat so your children can lie down in different positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold up easily and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy's ease of use with the folded wheels and also to get out and into your boot.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums strollers, or even in one as a child. They are perfect 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 usually pretty easy to steer and, if you opt for a model that has soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies are also a popular choice as they're typically easier to turn than a side-by-side. This is because the second seat sits behind the first rather than on top of it. The seats are usually bigger and bulkier than a traditional side by side however, so make sure whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, three children, with the addition of an additional 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-byside buggies, however they provide a lot of flexibility and come with a premium selling price. They are easy to steer and feature a large storage basket. They also have the ability 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?
Double buggys are the most efficient method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children sit together, and tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However, double buggy with car seat -by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are typically larger overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
At first the idea of having a younger sibling can feel like a lot 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 an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they are able to be "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their role.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a great choice for twins, since both children will have the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that can be expanded the width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.
If you prefer, we suggest an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This innovative buggy starts as a single pushchair and it can then be converted into a double, which can include an additional seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it has lots of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.
Do you require an automated business travel system?
Double buggies are great to transport your children 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 allow you to ferry your child on their back or in front of you.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. The two seats are set side-by-side, so your children can see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and are difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies offer a more compact alternative, with one seat in the front and another in the rear, but they can be still quite large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are great because they allow you to convert your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up safely 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 with twins or a toddler, an infant, or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your kids may not always like to be in a stroller and might become tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, think about the factors mentioned above and your family's unique situation. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life simpler, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.