Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy from the moment of 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.
This buggy is a must-have for active families. It will grow with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It is light with great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What style of buggy do want?
Double buggys are great for transporting two children at the same time, even if they are not the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can lie down or sit in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They are usually light that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded as well as to get it out and back into your car boot.
The most common type of double buggy is the side-byside, which you've likely seen on other moms' pushchairs or even rode in as a kid. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with many seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to choose from. They are generally easy to steer, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they will easily handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by sides, are also very popular. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. They're generally wider than a side-by-side and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a baby or three children with the inclusion 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 are generally more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high resale value. They are easy to steer and come with a large storage basket. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children are seated in a row, side-by-side, and tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally wider overall. They can also accommodate both a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you 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 a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older one along and so having a double buggy from birth can make things simpler. It can also provide your child with a sense of pride as they become a "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their role.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a great choice for twins, since each child will get the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start off as a single pushchair but is then convertible into a double by adding the place of a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.
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. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you may be able to get by with just a single stroller and some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child around on their back or in front of you.
If you do opt for a double buggy there are three types to pick from: side-by-side as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats positioned near each other, so your children can see each one another. They are larger than a single stroller and can be difficult to maneuver over the kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact that has one seat at the front and another at the back. However they can be quite heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform one stroller into a double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your newborn snuggled up safely in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this. double buggy side by side Push Chairs And Prams for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children become older and more able to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them on bicycle rides or for day trips where they may prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not want to be in a buggy and could easily get tired and angry on longer outings.
So, before you decide to invest in a double buggy from birth be sure to take a look at the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller will make life much easier, especially if you need to navigate busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.