Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her advice on everything ranging from seating options and age groups, to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is essential for active families. It grows with your family, from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and movable, and can handle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, fold easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you travel a lot amount, you should check that the buggy can be easily maneuvered with the folded wheels in your boot and taken out.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums strollers, or even in one as a kid. They're ideal for twins who are older or who want to keep pace with you. They also come in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. These are usually easy to navigate, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they will easily navigate the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first and not on top. They're usually wider than a side-by-side and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby or three children, with 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're more expensive than tandem buggies or side-byside buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and come with a premium resale price. They are easy to steer and feature an ample storage basket. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with a built-in ride-on board and cinema seating for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are generally larger overall. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a baby?
Having a younger sibling can feel like a big responsibility initially, particularly when you need to be attentive to the baby. They might be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one along and having a double buggy from the start can make things easier. It can also give your child an immense sense of pride when they become a "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands widthways to take two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, such as using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.
If you prefer, we suggest the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require an effective business travel system?
Double buggies can be a great way to transport your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. You may be able make do with a single stroller, and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that permit you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in front.
There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats close to each other, which means your children will be able see each one another. However, pushchairsandprams tend to be wider than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can be still quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by securing the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example - it can be used for twins, a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
As your children grow older and more capable to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them to bicycle rides or for day trips in which they prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that your kids may not always like to be in a stroller and might get tired and angry on longer outings.
Before you purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the above factors and your family's unique situation. A durable and reliable double buggy can make your life simpler, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.