Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her suggestions on everything from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is an essential item for active families. It will grow with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy would you prefer?
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 is equipped with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, fold easily and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you travel a lot amount, it's essential to ensure that the buggy can be easily pushed around by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-byside one, which you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. They're great for twins or older siblings who want to keep up with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. These are usually easy to steer, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they can easily navigate kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. sit and stand double stroller is because the second seat is placed behind the first one, rather than on top of it. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll 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 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 are generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a high price for resales. They're generally simple to steer, feature an enormous storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and cinema seating for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best method to transport your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have children?
At beginning having a younger sibling could seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you're taking care of the baby. A double buggy can allow them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins as 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 that features an innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides different configuration options, including the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who love to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair which can be made double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it has lots of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require an effective system of travel for your business?
Double buggies are an excellent way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't necessary for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you might be able to get by with a single stroller and certain attachments such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child around on their backs or in front of you.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats close to each other, meaning that your children will be able see each one another. However, these are generally larger than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they can be still quite long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until he or is able to climb to the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can be used for twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.
Once 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 like to be in a stroller, and may get tired and angry during longer trips.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, consider the factors above and your family's unique situation. A solid and reliable double stroller can simplify your life, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.