Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are a lot of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from birth. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is an essential item for active families. It grows with your family, from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you want?
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, and they have recline mechanisms within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, easy to fold and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels and also to get out and into your car boot.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-by-side one, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. They are ideal for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have a large number of seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They are usually simple to navigate, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on the top. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and three children by the addition of an extra 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 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, have an enormous storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some even have an integrated ride-on board that can be used as cinema seating for your older child.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best way to transport your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are cheap double pushchair of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a toddler?
Having a younger sibling can feel like a big responsibility initially, particularly when you need to be attentive to the infant. They may also feel left out if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling along and so having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life simpler. It can also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their new role.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a great choice for twins, since both children will share the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens widthways to take two seats fixed and provides different configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We also recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This nifty buggy is a single pushchair that can be converted into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has many 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 the ideal purchase for every family. You may be able make do with a single stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby straps and toddler carriers that allow you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in the front.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats near each other, so your children can see each one another. They are wider than a single stroller and can be difficult to maneuver through kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and one in the rear, however they are still heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are great because they allow you to convert your stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until he or she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example - it can be used for twins, a toddler and an infant, or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day excursions where they prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not want to be in a buggy and could easily become disgruntled and tired when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, consider the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller will simplify your life, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.