Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy from birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her suggestions on everything from seating options and age groups, to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is an essential item for active families. It grows with your family, from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy would you like?
A double buggy is great for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also be used as prams and have a reclining mechanism in each seat so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight, fold easily, and small enough to fit in your car's boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy's maneuverability with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and into your boot.
The most popular type of double buggy is the side-by-side one, which you've likely seen on other moms' pushchairs or even rode in as a kid. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins and typically have many seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to pick from. They're usually easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, make light work of the 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, rather than on top. They're typically bigger than a side-byside and can be heavy when folded, so it's important to check they'll fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a 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 are generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and a high resale value. They are easy to steer and feature large storage bins. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your older child.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best method of transporting your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children sit together or tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also be able to accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
Being a parent to a child can feel like a big responsibility initially, particularly when you need to be attentive to the infant. They might also feel left out if they are placed in a baby carrier while you push the older one along, so having a double buggy from the start can make everything easier. It can also help your child get into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a great option for twins, as each child will get the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options including using the second seat to create the bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with a single pushchair and is then convertible into a double, taking an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it includes a number of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are ideal to transport your children around in comfort but they're not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to do with a single stroller and some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child on their backs or in front of you.
There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are set parallel to each other, so your children will be able to see each other. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are small with a seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your newborn snuggled up in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great illustration - it could be used for twins as well as a toddler and a baby or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they'd prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your children may not always like to be in a stroller, and may be tired and irritable when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the above factors and your family's unique circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.