Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her tips on everything from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is an essential item for active families. It will grow with you and your family, from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight and movable, and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is great for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams and come with a reclining mechanism in each seat, so your children can sit or lie down in various positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight that folds 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 with the wheels folded and also to get out and back into your boot.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums strollers, or even in one as a child. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins and typically have many seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your children to choose from. These are usually easy to navigate, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they are able to effortlessly handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first rather than on the top. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be bulky when folded, so it's important to check they'll fit through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three kids with the addition 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 a lot of flexibility and have a high selling price. They're generally simple to steer, feature an enormous storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the ideal way to transport your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting above the other, and side-byside buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in size to fit through doors. Tandems are generally more spacious overall. They can also be able to accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have one?
At beginning the idea of having a younger sibling could feel like a lot of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the baby. They may be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older one along, so having a double buggy from the start will make life simpler. It can also give your child a sense of pride as they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their role.
Side-by-side buggies can be a great choice for twins, as both children will have the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with a unique frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also offers different configuration options, including the second seat for an infant bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with an individual pushchair, but it can then be converted into a double, which can include the place of a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). double pram and pushchair is perfect for rough terrain, and it has numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you require an automated travel system for your business?
Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort, but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You might be able to get by with just one stroller, and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow your child and you to ride on their backs or in front.
If you do opt for a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side-by-side as well as convertible. The two seats are set parallel to each other, so your children will be able to see each other. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, however they are still large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by securing a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your baby comfortably in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent illustration - it could be used with twins or a toddler, a baby or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they may not want to be in a buggy and could easily be tired and disgruntled on longer outings.
So, before you decide to invest in a double buggy at the time of birth, take some time to consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify life especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.