Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy right from the time of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her tips 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's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can tackle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are great for transporting up to two children at a time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also be used as prams and have a reclining mechanism in each seat so your children can lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking the buggy's ease of use with the folded wheels as well as to get it in and out of your boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with many seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular option since they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat sits behind the first rather than on top of it. They're usually larger than a side-by-side, and can be heavy when folded, so it's important to check they'll be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a very high cost of resale. They are easy to steer and have a large storage basket. They can also 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 best method to transport your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child is seated above the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are generally larger overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seat.
Do you have one?
At first having a younger sibling can seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. A double buggy can make it easier for them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child settle into their new role as a 'big sister or brother'.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best option for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with an innovative frame that expands in width and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also offers different configuration options including using the second seat to create a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This clever buggy can start off as a single pushchair and can be converted into a double, taking an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone happy.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies can be an excellent way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't necessary for every family. You could make do with one stroller, and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that allow you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in the front.
There are three different types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are set parallel to each other, so your children can see one another. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. double pushchair are small that has one seat in the front and a back seat. However they can be heavy and difficult 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 infant snuggled in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example of this - it can be used with twins or a toddler, a baby or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children become older and more capable and able, you can get a double buggy to accompany them on cycling trips or other day trips in which they prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they might not always want to be in a buggy and can easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.
So, before you decide to purchase a double buggy at the time of birth, take some time to take a look at the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make life easier, particularly when you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.