Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of things to consider. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is essential for active families. It grows with your family from toddlers to twins. It is lightweight and movable, and is able to handle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do want?
A double buggy is great for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams and have recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are usually light they fold easily and are compact enough to fit in your car's boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy's ease of use using the folded wheels, as well as to get it out and into your boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers strollers, or even in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with many seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to choose from. They're usually easy to drive and, if you opt for a model that has soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first instead of sitting on top of it. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, an infant or 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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-byside buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and have a high cost of resale. They are easy to steer and feature a large storage basket. double pushchair with car seat are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the ideal method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems are typically more spacious overall. They can also accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
At beginning, having a younger sibling may seem like a lot of responsibility especially if you're caring for the baby. A double buggy can make it easier for them to feel included if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child get into their new role as big brother or sister'.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a great option for twins since both children will have the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.
If you prefer, we suggest alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This innovative buggy is a single pushchair which can be made a double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone content.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However best double strollers required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to make do with a single stroller and some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child around on their back or in front of you.
If you do opt for a double buggy there are three kinds to pick from: side-by-side as well as convertible. The two seats are positioned side-by-side, so your children can see one another. They are larger than a single stroller, and may be difficult to navigate through the kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option that has one seat in the front and another at the back. However, they can be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are great because they let you convert your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This will allow you to keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can 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 also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they might prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your kids may not always enjoy being in a stroller and could get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.
So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you take a look at the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can simplify life particularly if you have to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.