Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on 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.
This buggy is essential for active families. It grows with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What type 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 function as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, fold easily and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you travel a lot amount, it's essential to check that the buggy can be easily pushed around by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms strollers, or even in one as a child. These are great 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 navigate, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they can effortlessly handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. This is because the second seat is placed behind the first instead of over it. The seats are typically wider and bulkier than a 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 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 tend to be more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of versatility and a good resale value. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and can handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and "cinema seating" for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best way to transport them around. There are two main types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children are seated side by side or tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width for getting through doors. Tandems are typically larger overall. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have one?
At first having a younger sibling could feel like a lot of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. A double buggy can make it easier for children to feel included when you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child settle into their new role as a 'big sister or brother'.
Side-by-side buggies can be a great option for twins, as both children will have the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including the second seat being used as an infant carrier or bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This clever buggy can start as an individual pushchair, but it can then be converted into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone content.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are ideal for bringing your kids around in comfort but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You could get by with just one stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow your child and you to ride on their backs or in front.
There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats positioned close to each other, which means your children can see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies provide a more compact alternative, with one seat in the front and a second in the rear, however they can still be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are great because they let you convert your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until he/she is able to climb into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic illustration of this. double pram and pushchair for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.
If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your kids may not always like to be in a stroller, and may be tired and irritable when they are on longer excursions.
Before you invest in a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can make life much easier especially if you need to travel through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.