Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are many aspects to consider. We spoke to 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 an essential item 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 easily.
What type of buggy would you prefer?
Double buggys are great for transporting up to two children at a time, even if they are not the same age. They can also serve as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage space to store everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and small enough to fit into the car boot. If you drive a great amount, you should make sure that the buggy be easily maneuvered by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have many seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to choose from. double pram pushchair are generally easy to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they can easily navigate kerbs.
Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is positioned behind the first rather than on top. 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 for twins or a toddler and baby or three kids 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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer the flexibility of a single buggie and a very high selling price. They're generally easy to steer, have an enormous storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient method of transporting your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have a baby?
Being a parent to a child can be an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the infant. They may also feel left out when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older one ahead, so having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life simpler. It can also help your child get into their new role as a 'big sister or brother'.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a great choice for twins, as each child will get the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy that features an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also provides a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat as a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and like to explore. This innovative buggy is a single pushchair which can be made a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and has lots of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies are great to transport your children around in comfort however 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 do with just a single stroller and some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child around on their back or in front of you.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are placed in a row, so that your children can be able to see each other. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair and are difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are an easier way to travel with one seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can be still quite long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to convert a single stroller into a double buggy by securing the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your infant snuggled comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main 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.
As your children grow older and more able and able, you can get double buggys to accompany them to bicycle rides or for day trips where they may prefer to walk. It's important to remember that your kids may not always enjoy being in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
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 durable and reliable double buggy can make life easier, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.