Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are a lot of things to consider. 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 purchase for families with active children This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting up to two children at once, even if they are not the same age. They can also function as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, fold up easily and small enough to fit into the car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy's ease of use with the wheels folded and also to get in and out of your boot.
The most popular type of double buggy is the side by side one, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. They're ideal for twins or older siblings who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They're generally easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model with soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first one, instead of sitting on top of it. The seats are typically bigger and bulkier than a traditional side by side and you must ensure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three children with the inclusion 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 generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and have a great price for resales. They are easy to steer and feature a large storage basket. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to move 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 buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.
Do you have a toddler?
A younger sibling can be an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy can also help them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can aid your child in settling into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins as they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that can be expanded in width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, including the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We also recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This clever buggy can start off as a single pushchair and is then convertible into a double, taking an additional seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with a variety of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a business travel system?
Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids you may be able to do using a single stroller with certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child around on their back or in front of you.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats positioned near each other, so your children can see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with one seat in the front and another in the rear, but they can still be large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to convert a single stroller into a double buggy by securing the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your baby 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 and baby or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
As your children grow older and more mobile and able, you can get a double buggy to take them on bicycle rides or for day trips in which they prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that your children may not always be comfortable in a stroller and could get tired and angry on longer outings.
So, before all terrain double buggy decide to invest in a double buggy from birth make sure you think about the above points and the particular circumstances of your family. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life simpler, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or busy malls.