Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are many things to consider. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is a must-have 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 kind of buggy do you prefer?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat has a reclining mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you travel a lot amount, you should ensure that the buggy can be easily maneuvered with the wheels folded in your car boot, and then removed.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-byside that you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have a large number of seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to pick from. These are usually easy to navigate, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they are able to easily navigate the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are also a popular choice as they're typically more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. The seats are typically bigger and bulkier than a side-by-side, so you should check whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids 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 they offer a lot of versatility and a good resale value. They are easy to steer and come with a large storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best method to transport your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two primary types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies in which your children sit side by side, and tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have children?
At first the idea of having a younger sibling could feel like a lot of responsibility especially if you are also caring for 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 will also help your child settle into their new role as big brother or sister'.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best option for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy with an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also provides a variety of configuration options including using the second seat as the bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with a single pushchair and can be converted into a double by adding an additional seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone content.
Do you require a system of travel for your business?
Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort however they're not essential for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to do with just a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child on their back or in front of you.
There are three different types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are positioned in a row, so that your children will be able to see one another. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are small, with one seat at the front and another at the back. However they can be quite heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they allow you to convert your stroller to 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 example of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children get older and more able and able, you can get a double buggy to accompany them on cycling trips or other day trips where they may prefer to walk. It's important to remember that your kids may not always like to be in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to invest in a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. A durable and reliable double buggy can make life easier, particularly when you are required to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.