Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have investment for families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy do you prefer?
Double buggys are great for transporting two children at once, even if they are not of the same age. They can be used as prams, and they have a reclining mechanism within each seat, allowing your children can lay down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight that folds easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a great deal, it's important to ensure that the buggy can be easily maneuvered by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.
The most common type of double buggy newborn buggy is the side-byside one, which you've probably seen on other mothers' pushchairs or even rode in as a child. They're great for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. These are usually easy to control, and if opt for a model with a soft suspension, they are able to effortlessly handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular option because they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is located behind the first, rather than on the top. They're generally wider than a side-by-side and can be bulky when folded, so it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used for twins, a baby and toddler or three kids with the addition of a buggy.
Lastly there are the'single-to-Cheap Double Stroller' 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're more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, but they offer the flexibility of a single buggie and have a high cost of resale. They are easy to steer and come with large storage bins. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
nipper Double Buggy buggys are the ideal method of transporting your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children are seated side by side and tandem buggies in which one baby is above the other. Both buggies can accommodate two seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seats.
Do you have a child?
At first, having a younger sibling can feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. A double buggy may help them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child get into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a great choice for twins since each child will get the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands widthways to take two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.
We also recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This clever buggy can start off as a single pushchair twin but it can then be converted into a double, which can include a second seat, 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 an effective business travel system?
Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort, but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You may be able make do with one stroller and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow your child and you to travel on their backs or in the front.
If you do opt for a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats that are close to each other, meaning that your children will be able see each other. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact with a seat at the front and another at the back. However they can be heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to convert one stroller into double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until he or is ready to step to the buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example of this - it can be used with twins, a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
As your children grow older and more mobile, you can use double buggys to accompany them on bicycle rides or for day trips where they may prefer walking. It's important to remember that your kids may not always be comfortable in a stroller, and may be tired and irritable during longer trips.
So, before you decide to invest in a double buggy from birth be sure to think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you have to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.