Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are a lot of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the moment 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.
A must-have investment for families with active children This buggy can grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is lightweight and movable, and can handle uneven terrain easily.
What style of buggy do want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams and have recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can sit or lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, fold up easily and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy's ease of use with the wheels folded as well as to get it out and back into your boot.
You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums strollers or even in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have many seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your children to choose from. They're usually easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on the top. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be bulky when folded, so it's important to check they'll fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, 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 the flexibility of a single buggie and have a high selling price. They are easy to steer and have a large storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and "cinema seating" for your child's older.
Do double buggy for twins have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient way to transport your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children are seated in a row, side-by-side or tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have children?
At beginning having a younger sibling can feel like a lot of responsibility especially if you're caring for the infant. They might 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 from birth can make things easier. It can aid your child in settling into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side buggies can be a great option for twins, as each child will get the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also provides a variety of configuration options including using the second seat as a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and like to explore. This buggy is clever and can start as an individual pushchair, but it can then be converted into a double, which can include an additional seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it includes a number of clever features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require an effective system of travel for your business?
Double buggies are great for bringing your kids around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You may be able make do with a single stroller, and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit you and your child to travel on their backs or in front.
There are three different types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are positioned parallel to each other, so your children will be able to see one another. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and one in the rear, but they are still long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful as they allow you to transform your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your child in the car seat until is able to climb up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When double pushchairs are older and have more endurance, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they'd prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they might not always desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily get tired and angry on longer outings.
So, before you decide to invest in a double buggy from birth make sure you consider the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify life especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.