Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to consider. 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 active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and can handle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do want?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams and come with a reclining mechanism within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, fold easily, and small enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a lot amount, it's essential to make sure that the buggy be easily moved with the wheels folded in your boot and taken out.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins and typically have many seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to pick from. They're usually easy to steer and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. They're generally bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby 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 generally more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a high return on investment. They are easy to steer and have a large storage basket. 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?
double pram and pushchair are the ideal method to transport your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child sits over the other, and side by side buggies. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems are generally wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have a baby?
double pram pushchair can feel like quite a big responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the infant. They might be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in a baby carrier while you push the older one to the side and so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make things simpler. It can aid your child in settling into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side buggies can be a good option for twins, since both children will have the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. double pram and pushchair like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides different configuration options, including the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who like to explore. This nifty buggy is a single-pushchair that can be transformed into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with a variety of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies can be a great way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children, you may be able to do using a single stroller with some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child on their backs or in front of you.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats near each other, meaning that your children will be able see each other. They are larger than a single stroller and aren't easy to navigate through kerbs. Tandem buggies are small that has one seat in the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are great because they allow you to convert your stroller to double buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This way, you can keep your infant snuggled comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can be used with twins as well as a toddler and a baby or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.
As your children grow older and more capable, you can use a double buggy to take them to bike rides or day excursions where they may prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they might not always want to be in a buggy, and they could easily become disgruntled and tired during longer trips.
Before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning, take some time to consider the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can make life much easier, especially if you need to navigate busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.