Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the time of birth. 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 for active families This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy would you like?
Double buggys are perfect for transporting up to two children at the same time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also serve as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold easily and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's important to make sure the buggy's maneuverability with the wheels folded and to take out and into your car boot.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-by-side that you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a kid. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have many seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They're usually easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular choice as they're typically more maneuverable than a side-by-side. most compact double stroller pushchairsandprams is positioned behind the first rather than on the top. The seats are typically bigger and bulkier than a side by side and you must ensure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins, a baby and toddler or three kids with the inclusion 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 tend to be more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of versatility and a good resale value. They're generally simple to steer, feature a huge storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with a built-in ride-on board and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best method to transport your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children are seated side by side or tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate both a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a baby?
At first the idea of having a younger sibling may seem like a lot of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. A double buggy may allow children to feel included when you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with a sense of pride as they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them get used to their role.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a great option for twins, since both children will have the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, such as using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We also recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This clever buggy can start with a single pushchair and is then convertible into a double, which can include a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.
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. You could use a single stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow your child and you to travel on their backs or in the front.
There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are placed side-by-side, so your children can see each other. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option, with one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However, they can be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they let you convert your stroller into double buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until she is ready to move into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic illustration of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children become older and more able to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to accompany them to bicycle rides or for day trips where they might prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not want to be in a buggy and could easily get tired and angry during longer trips.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller from the beginning, take some time to take a look at the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can simplify life, especially if you need to travel through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.