Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of aspects 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 for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy would you prefer?
A double buggy is great for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can be used as prams and have a reclining mechanism in each seat, so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a lot amount, you should ensure that the buggy can be easily moved by folding the wheels into your boot and taken out.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other moms' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. double pram pushchair are perfect for older siblings or twins who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating configurations and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They are generally easy to control, and if select a model that has a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle 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. The seats are usually bigger and bulkier than a traditional side by side however, so make sure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby or three children by the addition of an extra 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 generally more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of versatility and a good return on investment. They're generally simple to steer, feature large storage bins and can cope well on 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 method of transporting your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also be able to accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a baby?
At first the idea of having a younger sibling could feel like a lot of responsibility particularly if you're also taking care of the baby. A double buggy can help children to feel included when you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded the width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, including using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This innovative buggy is a single pushchair which can be made double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it includes a number of clever features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are excellent to transport your children around in comfort, but they're not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids you may be able to do with a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child around on their back or in front of you.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats positioned close to each other, meaning that your children will be able to see each one another. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are small that has one seat at the front and another at the back. However they can be heavy and difficult to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they let you convert your stroller to double buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet 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 V2 is a good example - it can be used for twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they prefer walking. It's important to remember that your children might not always enjoy being in a stroller and could be tired and irritable on longer outings.
Before you invest in a double stroller, consider the factors mentioned above and your family's specific circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you have to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.