Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many things to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the time of birth. 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 can grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight and movable, and can handle uneven terrain easily.
What style of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also be used as prams, and they have recline mechanisms in each seat so your children can sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, fold easily and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a great amount, you should make sure that the buggy be easily moved by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.
You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings who want to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with many seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to choose from. These are usually easy to navigate, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. This is because the second seat is placed behind the first one, instead of sitting over it. The seats are generally wider and bulkier than a traditional side by side, so you should check whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, a baby or three children by 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're generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of versatility and a good return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, have a huge storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
Having a younger sibling can feel like quite an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the baby. They may be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one along, so having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life easier. It can 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 new role.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a great choice for twins, as both children will have the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy that features an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also comes with a variety of configuration options, including the second seat to create an infant bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who like to explore. This innovative buggy is a single pushchair that can be converted into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with a variety of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you might be able to make do using a single stroller with some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child around on their back 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 can see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller and may be difficult to maneuver over kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option that has one seat at the front and another at the back. However they can be heavy and difficult to push.
https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/categories/double-pushchairs are wonderful 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 allows you to keep your newborn snuggled up safely in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they might prefer walking. It's important to remember that your children might not always enjoy being in a stroller and could get tired and angry during longer trips.
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. A sturdy and reliable double stroller will simplify your life, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.