Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy from the time of birth. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have purchase for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do want?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They are usually light, fold easily, and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a great deal, it's important to make sure that the buggy be easily pushed around by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side by side, which you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins and typically have a large number of seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your little ones to choose from. These are usually easy to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they are able to effortlessly handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first instead of sitting over it. The seats are usually larger and heavier than a traditional side by side and you must ensure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby or three children by 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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer the flexibility of a single buggie and have a high resale price. They are easy to steer and have large storage bins. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.
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 types of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. double pushchair can also accommodate both a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a toddler?
A younger sibling can feel like quite an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the baby. A double buggy may allow them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their new role.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered to be the best choice for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.
If you prefer, we suggest the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This buggy is clever and can start off as a single pushchair but is then convertible into a double by adding an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone content.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are ideal for transporting your children around in comfort however they're not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to make do with a single stroller and some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child on their backs or in front of you.
There are three different types 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 one another. These buggies are wider than a single stroller, and aren't easy to navigate over the kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact, with one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However, they can be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to convert one stroller into double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until is able to climb up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this - it's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they might prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your kids may not always like to be in a stroller and could be tired and irritable during longer trips.
Before you purchase a double stroller, think about the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy can make life simpler, especially when you have to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.