Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the time of birth. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have investment for families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and is able to tackle difficult terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy would you like?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting two children at once even if they're not the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, easy to fold and are 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 also to get in and out of your boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers strollers, or even in one as a child. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins. They usually have many seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your children to pick from. They're generally easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is because the second seat sits behind the first one, instead of sitting on top of it. The seats are typically wider and bulkier than a side-by-side however, so make sure whether they can 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 an additional 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 and side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and have a high cost of resale. They are easy to steer and come with large storage bins. They are also able to 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?
Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the best option to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children are seated together, and tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be more spacious overall. They can also accommodate both seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have one?
Having lightest double stroller can feel like quite an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the baby. They may be feeling a little secluded when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older one ahead and having a double buggy from the start can make things simpler. compact double stroller can also give your child an immense sense of pride when they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins as they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides different configuration options, including the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and love to explore. This nifty 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 has numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.
Do you require an effective business travel system?
Double buggies are an excellent way to transport your children safely. However they aren't necessary for every family. You may be able get by with just a single stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit your child and you to be able to travel on their backs, or in the front.
If you do opt for a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats positioned close to each other, meaning that your children will be able see each one another. They are larger than a single stroller, and may be difficult to navigate through kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact, with one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to convert one stroller into double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your infant snuggled in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. lightweight double pushchair is an excellent example of this - it can be used with twins as well as a toddler and one or more children using the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day excursions where they prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your children may not always be comfortable in a stroller and might be tired and irritable when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make life simpler, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.