Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are a lot 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 will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can handle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do you prefer?
A double buggy is great for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat is equipped with a reclining mechanism so that 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 they fold easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre using the folded wheels, and also to get out and into your boot.
You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins and typically have many seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to choose from. These are usually easy to navigate, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first one, rather than over it. The seats are generally wider and bulkier than a side-by-side however, so make sure whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three children with the inclusion 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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, however they provide plenty of flexibility and have a high selling price. They are easy to steer and come with a large storage basket. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. single to double pushchair have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the ideal method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child sits over the other, and side by side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems are typically more spacious overall. They can also be able to accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
At beginning having a younger sibling could seem like a lot of responsibility especially if you're caring for the baby. A double buggy can also help children to feel included when you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them settle into their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best option for twins because they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with a unique frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also comes with a variety of configuration options, including the second seat for an infant bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This innovative buggy starts off as an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double, taking an additional seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.
Do single to double buggy need a travel system?
Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't required for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children, you may be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child around on their back or in front of you.
If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three types to pick from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. The two seats are set in a row, so that your children will be able to see each other. However, they tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies provide a more compact alternative, with a seat in the front and another in the rear, but they can be still quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are great because they let you convert your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your child in the car seat until she is ready to move to the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can be used for twins, a toddler and a baby or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.
Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they might prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your children may not always be comfortable in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled on longer outings.
So, before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning be sure to consider the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make life easier, particularly when you need to navigate through busy streets or busy malls.