Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the moment of birth. 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 for families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is light and movable, and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is great for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can be used as prams and have the ability to recline within each seat, allowing your children can lay down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight, fold easily, and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you travel a lot deal, it's important to ensure that the buggy can be easily pushed around by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms strollers or even in one as a kid. They are perfect for older siblings or twins who want to keep pace with you. They also come in a variety of seating configurations and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you 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 located behind the first, rather than on the top. The seats are usually wider and bulkier 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 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're more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, however they provide a lot of flexibility and have a high resale price. They are easy to steer and feature large storage bins. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggy is the best option to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seats.
Do you have a toddler?
Having a younger sibling can be a big responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the baby. double buggy with carrycot may also feel left out if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older one to the side, so having a double buggy from birth can make everything simpler. It will also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins since they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be hefty and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We also recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. double buggy with carrycot is a single pushchair that can be transformed into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are an excellent way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children, you may be able to get by with a single stroller and certain attachments such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child on their backs or in front of you.
If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side by side as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats close to each other, so your children can see each one another. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, however they can be still quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert a single stroller into a double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your baby comfortably in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example - it can be used for twins as well as a toddler and a baby or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children get older and more mobile and able, you can get double buggys to accompany them to bicycle rides or for day trips in which they prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they might not always prefer to ride in a buggy and can easily get tired and angry during longer trips.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, think about the factors mentioned above and your family's specific circumstances. A solid and reliable double stroller will simplify your life especially if you need to travel through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.