Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from 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.
A must-have investment for families with active children This buggy can grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can handle difficult terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams and have the ability to recline in each seat, so your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and small enough to fit into your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded as well as to get it out and into your boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins. They usually have many seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to choose from. They're usually easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first, rather than on top. The seats are typically larger and heavier than a side by side however, so make sure whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins, a baby and toddler or three kids 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're more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and come with a premium cost of resale. They're generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the best option to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally larger overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seats.
Do you have one?
Having a younger sibling can feel like a big responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the infant. A double buggy can make it easier for children to feel included when you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can 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 role.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a good option for twins, as both children will have the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who love to explore. This nifty buggy is a single pushchair that can be converted into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and includes a number of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
double stroller can be an excellent way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't required for every family. You could get by with just a single stroller, and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler straps that allow you and your child to travel on their backs or in front.
If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats that are 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 are difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are small, with one seat in the front and a back seat. However, they can be heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to transform one stroller into a double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your baby safely in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great illustration of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.
As your children grow older and more capable to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to accompany them to bike rides or day excursions in which they prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they might not always want to be in a buggy and could easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
So, before you decide to purchase a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life easier, particularly when you need to navigate through busy streets or busy malls.