Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the moment of birth. We spoke with 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 you and your family from toddlers to twins. It is light with great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy would you prefer?
Double buggys are perfect for transporting up to two children at a time even if they're not of the same age. They can be used as prams and come with a reclining mechanism within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, fold easily, and compact enough to fit into your car boot. If you drive a great deal, it's important to make sure that the buggy be easily maneuvered with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.
tandem double buggy may have seen this type of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have a large number of seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to pick from. double jogging stroller to steer and, if you decide to go for a model with a soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular option because they're easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. The seats are typically wider and bulkier than a side-by-side however, so make sure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby or three children, 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're generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and have a great return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, come with an enormous storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models even come with built-in ride-on boards and 'cinema seating' for your older child.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the best way to transport them around. There are two main types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies where your children sit side by side and tandem buggies in which one child is higher than the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate both seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have a baby?
Being tandem double buggy to a child can feel like quite an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. They may be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling to the side, so having a double buggy from the start can make everything easier. It will also help your child get into their new role as a 'big sister or brother'.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best option for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also provides a variety of configuration options, including the second seat as a bassinet.
If you prefer, we suggest an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This clever buggy is a single-pushchair that can be transformed into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it features numerous thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require an automated business travel system?
Double buggies are ideal for transporting your children around in comfort, but they're not essential for every family. You might be able to use a single stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow your child and you to travel on their backs or in front.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats that are near each other, so your children will be able to see each one another. They are wider than a single stroller and aren't easy to navigate around kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact with a seat in the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert a single stroller into double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until he or is able to climb into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example - it can be used with twins, a toddler and a baby or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they might prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your kids may not always like to be in a stroller and could be tired and irritable during longer trips.
Before you invest in a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make your life simpler, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.