Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are a lot of things to consider. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have purchase for families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and can tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you prefer?
Double buggys are perfect for transporting up to two children at a time, even if they are not the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, fold easily, and small enough to fit in your car boot. If you travel a lot deal, it's important to make sure that the buggy be easily moved with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.
You might have seen this type 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 usually have a large number of seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your little ones to pick from. They're generally easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model with soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular choice as they're typically easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is located behind the first and not on the top. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a baby 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-by-side buggies, however they provide the flexibility of a single buggie and a very high cost of resale. They're generally simple to steer, feature a huge storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.
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 types of double buggy: side-byside buggies that let your children sit side by side, and tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. https://pastelink.net/p1xh6pdh are generally more spacious overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
A younger sibling can feel like quite a big responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the baby. A double buggy can help children to feel included when you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also help your child get into their new role as big brother or sister'.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins as they allow both children to have the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that can be expanded in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We also recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This innovative buggy starts as a single pushchair but is then convertible into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and has lots of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies are ideal to transport your children around in comfort, but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you might be able to do using a single stroller with some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child on their back or in front of you.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are placed side-by-side, so your children will be able to see each other. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair, and are difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact that has one seat in the front and another at the back. However they can be quite heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies are great because they allow you to convert your single stroller into double buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until he/she she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children become older and more capable to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them to cycling trips or other day trips where they might prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your kids may not always like to be in a stroller, and may get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, consider the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller will simplify life, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.