Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are many aspects to consider. 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.
This buggy is essential for active families. It grows with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It's light and easy to maneuver and is able to tackle difficult terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams and come with the ability to recline in each seat so your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking that the buggy's maneuverability using the folded wheels, as well as to get it in and out of your boot.
The most common type of double buggy is the side by side, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. These are great for older siblings who 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. They are generally easy to steer, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily navigate the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are a popular option since they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first, rather than over it. The seats are generally bigger and bulkier than a traditional side by side, so you should check whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a baby and toddler or three children 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're more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and have a high cost of resale. They're generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models even come with 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 ideal method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do continue reading this.. have a child?
Being a parent to a child can feel like quite an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the baby. They may be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in a baby carrier while you push the older sibling ahead and having a double buggy right from the beginning can make everything easier. It can aid your child in settling into their new role of a '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 bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy with a unique frame that expands in width and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also comes with a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat as a bassinet.
We also recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start as a single pushchair and can be converted into a double, which can include an additional seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.
Do you require a business travel system?
Double buggies are excellent 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 make do using a single stroller with some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child around on their back or in front of you.
If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three kinds to pick from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats that are next to each other, which means your children will be able to see each one another. They are wider than a single stroller and can be difficult to maneuver over kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an easier way to travel with one seat in the front and another in the rear, however they are still heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they allow you to convert your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until he/she is able to climb into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent 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.
If your children have grown older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not always desire to be in a buggy and can easily get tired and angry on longer outings.
So, before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning make sure you consider the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life easier, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.