Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the time of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her advice on everything ranging from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.
A must-have investment for active families This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. cheap double stroller with great manoeuvrability and can tackle uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy would you like?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams and come with a reclining mechanism 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 nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, fold up easily and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy's maneuverability using the folded wheels, and to take out and back into your car boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They're great for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by sides, are also popular. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on the top. They're generally bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids with the addition of a buggy.
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 provide plenty of flexibility and have a great return on investment. They are easy to steer and feature an ample storage basket. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient way 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 can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be larger overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seats.
Do you have a child?
At first, having a younger sibling can seem like a lot of responsibility, especially if you are also caring for the infant. They may also feel left out if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling to the side and so having a double buggy from the start will make life easier. It will also provide your child with the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them get used to their new role.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best option for twins as they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy that features an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also offers different configuration options such as using the second seat as a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and like to explore. This buggy is clever and can start as a single pushchair but it can then be converted into a double, which can include the place of a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.
Do you require a business travel system?
Double buggies are great for transporting your children around in comfort but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You may be able use one stroller, and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that permit your child and you to travel on their backs or in front.
If you do opt for a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats positioned near each other, so your children will be able see each one another. They are larger than a single stroller and aren't easy to maneuver over kerbs. Tandem buggies are an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they can still be large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent example 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, you can use a double buggy to accompany them on cycling trips or other day trips where they might prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your kids may not always be comfortable in a stroller, and may get tired and angry on longer outings.
So, before you decide to purchase a double buggy from birth, take some time to consider the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double stroller can make life much easier particularly if you have to navigate busy streets or crowded shopping centres.