Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the perfect double buggy from the moment of birth. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is an essential item for active families. It will grow with your family from toddlers to twins. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain easily.
What style of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are perfect for transporting two children at the same time even if they're not of the same age. They can also function as prams. Each seat is equipped with a reclining mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, fold up easily and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's important to make sure the buggy's ease of use with the folded wheels as well as to get it in and out of your boot.
The most popular type of double buggy is the side by side that you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you, or for twins and typically have numerous seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your little ones to pick from. They're usually easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model with a soft suspension, you can make light work of 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, rather than on top of it. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be heavy when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, three children with the addition of an additional 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 are generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of versatility and a good resale value. They are easy to steer and have an ample storage basket. double pram pushchair are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with an integrated ride-on board that can be used as 'cinema seating' for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children sit in a row, side-by-side, and tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
At first the idea of having a younger sibling can seem like a lot of responsibility especially if you are also caring for the infant. They might be feeling a little secluded when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling ahead and so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make everything easier. It will aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins since they allow both children to have the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair which can be made double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has lots of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are a great way to transport your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. You could use 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 pick from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats near each other, so your children will be able to see each one another. They are larger than a single stroller, and aren't easy to navigate around the kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with a single seat in the front and a second in the rear, however they can be still quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by securing an infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your child in the car seat until he/she is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example - it can be used for twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
When your children become older and more capable, you can use 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 they might not always desire to be in a buggy and can easily be tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
Before you make the decision to buy a double stroller from the beginning, take some time to consider the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A durable and reliable double buggy can make your life simpler, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.