Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from the time of birth. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have for families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. tandem double buggy , has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.
What style of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is great for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also function as prams. Each seat has a reclining mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold up easily and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy's maneuverability with the wheels folded and to take out and back into your boot.
You might have seen this type of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They are perfect for twins who are older or who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating options and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. These are usually easy to navigate, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they will easily navigate kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first rather than over it. The seats are usually wider and bulkier than a side-by-side, so you should check that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and three children, with the addition 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-byside buggies, however they provide a lot of flexibility and come with a premium selling price. They're generally simple to steer, feature large storage bins and can handle uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.
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 main kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children sit side by side or tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate both seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have children?
A younger sibling can be an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the infant. They might also feel left out if they are placed in a baby carrier while you push the older one to the side, so having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life easier. 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 new role.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered to be the best choice for twins since they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy that features an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also comes with a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat as a bassinet.
We also recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This buggy is clever and can start as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double, taking a second seat, a carrycot or a 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 keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require an effective travel system for your business?
Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in comfort. However, they are not necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you may be able to make do using a single stroller with certain attachments such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child on their back or in front of you.
If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats positioned near each other, so your children can see each one another. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are a more compact alternative, with a single seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they can still be long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until is able to climb up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good illustration - it could be used with twins, a toddler and a baby or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily be tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above and your family's unique circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can make life much easier, especially if you need to navigate busy streets or bustling shopping centres.