Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her suggestions on everything from seating options and age groups, to folding mechanisms and storage.
A must-have purchase for families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy would you prefer?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat comes with a reclining mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, fold up easily and small enough to fit into the car boot. If you travel a significant deal, it's important to ensure 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 mums strollers or even in one as a child. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins. lightweight double pushchair have a large number of seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They're usually pretty easy to drive and, if you opt for a model that has soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first and not on top. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a baby and toddler or 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 or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high resale value. They are easy to steer and have a large storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some even have an integrated ride-on board that can be used as 'cinema seating' for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient method to transport your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children sit together, and tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. 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 seem like a lot of responsibility especially if you're caring for the baby. lightest double stroller may be a bit irritated when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older one ahead and having a double buggy from the start will make life simpler. It can aid your child in settling into their new role as big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side buggies can be a good option for twins since each child will get the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who love to explore. This nifty buggy is a single pushchair which can be made double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone content.
Do you require a travel system for your business?
Double buggies are ideal to transport your children around in comfort, but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids you may be able to get by with a single stroller and certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child on their back or in front of you.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three kinds to pick from: side-by-side as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats positioned close to each other, so your children will be able to see each other. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair, and are difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they can be still quite long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic as they allow you to transform your stroller to double buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until he or is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic illustration of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the the optional 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 excursions where they prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your kids may not always be comfortable in a stroller, and may be tired and irritable during longer trips.
Before you purchase a double stroller, think about the factors mentioned above and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make life easier, particularly when you have to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.