Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are a lot of aspects to consider. We 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 grows with you and your family, from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can handle difficult terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are perfect for transporting two children at a time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also function as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space to store everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into the car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking that the buggy's ease of use with the wheels folded and to take out and back into your boot.
The most common type of double buggy is the side-by-side that you've probably seen on other mums' pushchairs or even rode in as a kid. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins and typically have many seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your children to choose from. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model with a soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are also a popular option because they're easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. They're typically 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 for twins or a toddler and baby or three children with the addition of a buggy.
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 generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high return on investment. They're generally simple to steer, feature a huge storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the best option to transport them around. There are two types of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children sit together, and tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. tandem double buggy can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seat.
Do you have a toddler?
At beginning having a younger sibling could seem like a lot of responsibility particularly if you're also caring for the infant. They might be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling to the side, so having a double buggy from the start can make everything simpler. It can also help your child get into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a great option for twins, as both children will have the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens widthways to take two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We also recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair that can be transformed into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it includes a number of clever features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are great for bringing your kids around in comfort however they're not a necessary purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to get by with just a single stroller and certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child around on their backs or in front of you.
If you do opt for a double buggy there are three kinds to pick from: side-by-side as well as convertible. The two seats are positioned in a row, so that your children will be able to see each other. 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 single seat in the front and one in the rear, however they can still be large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they allow you to convert your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This allows you to keep your newborn snuggled up in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this - it's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.
As your children grow older and more capable, you can use a double buggy to accompany them to cycling trips or other day trips where they might prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they may not desire to be in a buggy and can easily get tired and angry during longer trips.
So, before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning be sure to consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make life easier, particularly when you need to navigate busy streets or busy malls.