Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of aspects to consider. 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.
A must-have investment for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can be used as prams, and they have the ability to recline in each seat, so your children can lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight, fold easily, and compact enough to fit into your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy's maneuverability with the wheels folded and to take in and out of your boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mums strollers or even in one as a child. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with a large number of seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your little ones to choose from. They are generally easy to steer, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by sides, are also popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first and not on top. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's important to check they'll fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three children 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 are generally more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and have a great price for resales. They are easy to steer and feature a large storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with built-in ride-on boards and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child is seated above the other, and side-byside buggies. double pram pushchair can be fitted with two seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are typically larger overall. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
At first having a younger sibling could seem like a lot of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. They may be a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier while you push the older one to the side and so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make things simpler. 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 adjust to their new role.
Side-by-side buggies can be a good option for twins, since each child will get the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens widthways to take two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who are keen to explore. This innovative buggy starts as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double, which can include a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that are sure to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are an ideal way to move your children safely. However they aren't necessary for every family. You could use one stroller, and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow you and your child to ride on their backs or in the front.
If double stroller decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side-by-side as well as convertible. The two seats are placed parallel to each other, so your children can see each other. They are wider than a single stroller and can be difficult to maneuver over kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option that has one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However, double pushchair can be heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they allow you to convert your stroller to a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until he or is ready to step into the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can be used with twins, a toddler and an infant, or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children become older and more able, you can use a double buggy to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions in which they prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they may not always prefer to ride in a buggy, and they could easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth, take some time to think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life simpler, especially when you have to navigate busy streets or busy malls.