Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are many things to take into consideration. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is essential for active families. It grows with your family, from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight that folds easily and are small enough to fit in the car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's important to make sure the buggy's maneuverability with the folded wheels as well as to get it in and out of your boot.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-byside, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a kid. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you, or for twins and typically have numerous seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to choose from. They are generally easy to navigate, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they will effortlessly handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by sides, are also very popular. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. They're usually wider than a side-by-side 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 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 are more expensive than tandem double stroller buggies and side-by-side buggies, however they provide a lot of flexibility and come with a premium cost of resale. They are easy to steer and come with large storage bins. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient method of transporting your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two primary kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children are seated in a row, side-by-side, and tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have a toddler?
A younger sibling can feel like a big responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the infant. A double buggy may help children to feel included when you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child settle into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.
Side-by-side double single pushchair buggies are usually considered the best option for twins since they allow both children to have the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact twin stroller double buggy with a unique frame that expands in width and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also comes with a variety of configuration options, including the second seat as the bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This innovative buggy starts as a single pushchair and can be converted into a double, taking the place of a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and comes with a variety of clever features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children, you may be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child on their backs or in front of you.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are placed side-by-side, so your children can see each other. They are larger than a single stroller, and may be difficult to maneuver over the kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with a single seat in the front and one in the rear, however they are still large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are great as they allow you to transform your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your baby safely in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example - it can be used with twins or a toddler, an infant, or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.
When your children become older and more mobile to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they might 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 on longer outings.
Before you decide to purchase a double buggy from birth, take some time to take a look at the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A durable and reliable double to single buggy buggy can make your life easier, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.