Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy from birth. 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.
This buggy is essential for active families. It will grow with your family from toddlers to twins. It's light and easy to maneuver and is able to tackle difficult terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, 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 nappies and wipes. They are usually light they fold easily and are compact enough to fit in your car's boot. If you travel a significant amount, you should ensure that the buggy can be easily pushed around by folding the wheels into your car boot and removed.
The most popular type of double buggy is the side by side one, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child. They are perfect for twins who are older or who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They are generally easy to control, and if select a model that has a soft suspension, they are able to easily navigate the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by sides, are also popular. The second seat is placed behind the first rather than on top. They're usually larger than a side-by-side, and can be heavy when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and three children by the addition of an extra buggy board.
Lastly there are double pushchair -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 generally more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high return on investment. They are easy to steer and come with a large storage basket. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with a built-in ride-on board and cinema seating for your older child.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated above the other, and side-byside buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seat.
Do you have one?
Being a parent to a child can feel like an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the baby. A double buggy can allow them to feel included if you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also give your child a sense of pride as they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them settle into their new role.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a great choice for twins, as both children will have the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that opens the width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.
We also recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like 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 comes with many thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies can be a great way to transport your children safely. However they aren't necessary for every family. Depending 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 baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child around on their backs or in front of you.
There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are set in a row, so that 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 around kerbs. Tandem buggies are a more compact alternative, with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, however they can be still quite long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they let you convert your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until he or she is ready to move into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children get older and more mobile to walk, you can opt for double buggys to accompany them to bike rides or day excursions in which they prefer walking. It's important to remember that your children might not always like to be in a stroller and could get tired and angry on longer outings.
So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth, take some time to take a look at the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life simpler, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or busy malls.