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 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 twins to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and can tackle difficult terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams, and they have a reclining mechanism in each seat, so your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a great deal, it's important to check that the buggy can be easily pushed around by folding the wheels into your boot and taken out.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side by side, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a kid. They are perfect for twins or older siblings who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They are usually simple to control, and if select a model that has a soft suspension, they will easily navigate kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular option because they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. This is because the second seat sits behind the first, rather than on top of it. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be bulky 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, a baby or 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-by-side buggies, however they provide a lot of flexibility and have a high cost of resale. They are easy to steer and feature an ample storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to transport them around. There are two types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children sit side by side or tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be smaller in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally wider overall. They can also accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have one?
At beginning, having a younger sibling may feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the infant. A double buggy can also make it easier for children to feel included when you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered to be the best choice for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two fixed seats and offers various 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 nifty buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that are sure to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are excellent for bringing your kids around in comfort, but they're not essential for every family. You could make do with a single stroller, and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler straps that allow you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in the front.
If you do opt for a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. The two seats are set parallel to each other, so your children will be able to see one another. They are wider than a single stroller, and may be difficult to navigate around kerbs. Tandem buggies are a more compact alternative, with a single seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can be still quite long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they allow you to convert your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This will allow you to keep your infant snuggled in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent illustration - it could be used with twins or a toddler, one or more children using the optional PiggyBack Board.
As your children grow older and more mobile, you can use double buggys to accompany them to cycling trips or other day trips in which they prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they may not always want to be in a buggy and could easily be tired and disgruntled on longer outings.
Before you invest in a double stroller , consider the above factors and your family's unique circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life simpler, especially when you have to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.