Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to consider. 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.
A must-have purchase for families with active children This buggy can grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is great for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in various positions. Push Chairs And Prams of them also have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, fold easily and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre using the folded wheels, and to take out and into your car boot.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side by side that you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. They're great for twins or older siblings who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating options such as 'cinema seats'. They are usually simple to control, and if opt for a model with a soft suspension, they are able to effortlessly handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are also a popular option since they're easier to turn than side-by-side. This is because the second seat is placed behind the first one, instead of sitting over it. The seats are generally bigger and bulkier than a side by side, so you should check that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids with the addition of a buggy.
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 and tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high price for resales. They are easy to steer and come with large storage bins. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggy is the best option to move them around. There are two main types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies where your children sit in a row, side-by-side and tandem buggies in which one child is higher than the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be smaller in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be more spacious overall. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have children?
At beginning having a younger sibling may feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the baby. They may be feeling a little secluded when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older one to the side, so having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life simpler. It will also help your child settle into their new role of big brother or sister'.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a great choice for twins, as each child will get the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who like to explore. This clever buggy can start as a single pushchair but is then convertible into a double, taking the place of a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and includes a number of clever features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you require an effective travel system for your business?
Double buggies are an ideal way to move your children in a comfortable way. However, they are not necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children you might be able to get by using a single stroller with some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child around on their back or in front of you.
If you do opt for a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. The two seats are set in a row, so that your children will be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to navigate over kerbs. Tandem buggies are a more compact alternative, with one seat in the front and one in the rear, however they can be still quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform one stroller into double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent illustration of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the 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 might not always desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily be tired and disgruntled on longer outings.
Before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning, take some time to think about the above points and the particular circumstances of your family. Having a solid and reliable double stroller will simplify your life particularly if you have to navigate busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.