Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from 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 will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy would you prefer?
Double buggys are great for transporting two children at once even if they're not the same age. They can also function as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can lie down or sit in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you travel a lot amount, it's essential to check that the buggy can be easily moved with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other moms strollers, or even in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with a large number of seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your little ones to pick from. They are generally easy to control, and if select a model that has a soft suspension, they can easily handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. tandem double buggy is placed behind the first, rather than on top. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three children 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, however they provide a lot of flexibility and have a high selling price. They're generally easy to steer, have an enormous storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the ideal way to transport your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be more spacious overall. They can also accommodate both a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a baby?
At first the idea of having a younger sibling may feel like a lot of responsibility, particularly if you're also caring for the infant. They might be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one to the side and so having a double buggy from birth will make life easier. It can also help your child get into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a great option for twins, since both children will share the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, including the second seat being used as an infant carrier or bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This nifty 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 comes with many thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies are excellent to transport your children around in comfort however they're not essential for every family. You could get by with just one stroller, and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that permit your child and you to ride on their backs or in front.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats next to each other, meaning that your children will be able to see each one another. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies provide a more compact alternative, with one seat in the front and one in the rear, but they are still long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your child in the car seat until is able to climb to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
If your children have grown older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they might prefer walking. But, it's important to remember that they might not always desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily become disgruntled and tired when they are on longer excursions.
Before you invest in a double stroller, think about the factors mentioned above and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double stroller can simplify your life, especially if you need to travel through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.