Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of aspects to consider. double strollers spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is a must-have 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 difficult terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do want?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting up to two children at once, even if they are not of the same age. They can also serve as prams and have the ability to recline in each seat, so your children can lie down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are usually light they fold easily and are small enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a significant deal, it's important to ensure that the buggy can be easily maneuvered by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.
The most common type of double buggy is the side-byside, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. They are perfect for older siblings or twins who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They are generally easy to steer, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they can easily handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by sides, are also very popular. This is because the second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on top of it. They're typically wider than a side-by-side and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, however they provide the flexibility of a single buggie and a very high resale price. They are easy to steer and come with a large storage basket. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
double to single buggy are the best way to transport your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two main types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children are seated together, and tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seats.
Do you have children?
At beginning having a younger sibling may feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also caring for the infant. A double buggy may help them to feel included if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they become a "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their new role.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a great choice for twins, as each child will get the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands widthways to take 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 families who love to explore. This clever buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into a double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has lots of clever features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you require an automated business travel system?
Double buggies are ideal for transporting your children around in comfort however they're not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you might be able to get by with just 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.
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 positioned in a row, so that your children will be able to see one another. They are wider than a single stroller and may be difficult to navigate over the kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an alternative that is smaller, with a single seat in the front and a second in the rear, however they are still heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by securing an infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your child in the car seat until he/she is able to climb up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
Once your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer to walk. But, it's important to remember that they might not always want to be in a buggy, and they could easily become disgruntled and tired when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to invest in a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to take a look at the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. A solid and reliable double stroller will simplify life particularly if you have to navigate busy streets or bustling shopping centres.