Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from the moment of birth. 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.
A must-have for active families This buggy can grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting up to two children at the same time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also serve as prams, and they have a reclining mechanism in each seat so your children can sit or lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, fold easily and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a significant amount, it's essential to check that the buggy can be easily maneuvered with the folded wheels in your car boot, and then removed.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with a large number of seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your little ones to choose from. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by sides, are also very popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first rather than on the top. The seats are usually bigger and bulkier than a side-by-side, so you should check whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three kids 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 tend to be more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a high return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and can handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting over the other, and side by side buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are typically larger overall. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a baby?
At first, having a younger sibling could seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also caring for the infant. They might be a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier while you push the older one ahead and having a double buggy from the start can make everything simpler. It will aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy that features an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also provides a variety of configuration options including using the second seat as the bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who like to explore. This buggy is clever and can start as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double by adding the place of a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies can be a great way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't required 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, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child around on their backs or in front of you.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats that are near each other, meaning that your children will be able see each one another. They are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to navigate through kerbs. Tandem buggies are small, 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 are great because they allow you to convert your stroller to a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your infant snuggled comfortably in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example - it can be used with twins or a toddler, one or more children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they may not prefer to ride in a buggy and could easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.
So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to consider the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make life simpler, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.