Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy from the time of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her tips on everything from seating options and age groups, to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is a must-have for active families. It will grow with you and your family, from twins to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and can handle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, fold easily and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a great deal, it's important to ensure that the buggy can be easily moved by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.
The most common type of double buggy is the side-byside one, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child yourself. They're great for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in various seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They're usually easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, make light work of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first and not on the top. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three children 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, however they provide a lot of flexibility and have a high selling price. They're generally easy to steer, have a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the best option to transport them around. There are two main types of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children are seated together and tandem buggies in which one child is placed above the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.
Do double pushchair sale have a child?
A younger sibling can feel like quite an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy may allow them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they get to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their role.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that opens widthways to take two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who love to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair that can be converted into a double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it has lots of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a system of travel for your business?
Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You could get by with just one stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that permit you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in front.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side by side as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats that are close to each other, so your children can see each other. They are wider than a single stroller and aren't easy to navigate over kerbs. Tandem buggies provide a more compact alternative, with one seat in the front and one in the rear, however they can still be large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform one stroller into a double buggy by securing 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 V2 is a good illustration - it could be used with twins or a toddler, one or more children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children get older and more mobile, you can use double buggys to accompany them to bicycle rides or for day trips where they might prefer to walk. But, it's important to remember that they may not desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning, take some time to take a look at the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. A durable and reliable double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you have to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.