Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal 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.
A must-have investment for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and can handle difficult terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do want?
Double buggys are perfect for transporting up to two children at once, even if they are not the same age. They can also serve as prams and have a reclining mechanism 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 are usually light, fold easily, and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a significant deal, it's important to ensure that the buggy can be easily maneuvered by folding the wheels into your boot and taken out.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms strollers or even in one as a kid. They're great for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They're usually easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. The second seat is located behind the first, rather than on the top. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be heavy when folded, which is why it's crucial to ensure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a baby and toddler 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 tend to be more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high resale value. They're generally easy to steer, come with an enormous storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your older child.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the best way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children sit in a row, side-by-side and tandem buggies in which one baby is above the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.
Do you have one?
At beginning having double buggy newborn could seem like a lot of responsibility, especially if you are also caring for the baby. They might be a bit irritated if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older one along and so having a double buggy from the start can make everything easier. It can aid your child in settling into their new role as a 'big sister or brother'.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best option for twins as they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands 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 are active and are keen 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 perfect for rough terrain, and it has numerous thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are excellent for bringing your kids around in comfort, but they're not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children, you may be able to get by with a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child around on their backs or in front of you.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. The two seats are placed in a row, so that your children can see one another. They are larger than a single stroller and may be difficult to navigate through the kerbs. Tandem buggies are small, with one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and difficult to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your baby comfortably in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children become older and more able to walk, you can opt for double buggys to accompany them to cycling trips or other day trips where they may prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your children may not always like to be in a stroller and could be tired and irritable on longer outings.
So, before you decide to purchase a double buggy from birth, take some time to consider the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life easier, especially when you have to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.