Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy right from birth. We spoke with 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 an essential item for active families. It will grow with your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain easily.
What twin pushchair www.pushchairsandprams.uk of buggy do want?
Double buggys are great for transporting up to two children at the same time even if they're not of the same age. They can also serve as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can lie down or sit in different positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and are compact 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 and to take in and out of your car boot.
You might have seen this type of double buggy on other moms strollers, or even in one as a kid. They're great for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating options such as 'cinema seats'. They're usually easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model with a soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.
Tandem buggies are also a popular option since they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. This is because the second seat is placed behind the first instead of on top of it. They're usually larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and 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're generally more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high return on investment. They're generally simple to steer, feature a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the best option to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to fit through doors. Tandems are generally wider overall. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
At beginning the idea of having a younger sibling could feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. A double buggy may help them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can 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 the best option for twins since they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This clever buggy is a single-pushchair that can be transformed into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and has lots of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are ideal for transporting your children around in comfort but they're not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children, you may be able to get by using a single stroller with some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child around on their back or in front of you.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are placed parallel to each other, so your children can be able to see each other. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an alternative that is smaller, with one seat in the front and one in the rear, however they can be still quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they let you convert your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until he or is ready to step to the 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 with the option of a PiggyBack Board.
When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer to walk. It is important to keep in mind that your children might not always like to be in a stroller, and may become tired and disgruntled on longer outings.
So, before you decide to invest in a double buggy from birth make sure you think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life easier, especially when you have to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.