Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the moment of birth. 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.
A must-have for active families This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight with great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you want?
double stroller with bassinet are perfect for transporting two children at a time, even if they are not the same age. They can also serve as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, easy to fold and small enough to fit into the car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking that the buggy is easy to manoeuvre using the folded wheels, and also to get out and into your car boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other moms strollers, or even in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have numerous seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to choose from. They are generally easy to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they will easily navigate kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. The second seat is located behind the first rather than on the top. They're generally wider 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, an infant or three children with the addition of an additional 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 the flexibility of a single buggie and have a high resale price. They are easy to steer and come with an ample storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with a built-in ride-on board and "cinema seating" for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best method of transporting your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children sit side by side, and tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be larger overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.
Do you have one?
At beginning having a younger sibling may seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, particularly if you're also caring for the baby. A double buggy may allow them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with a sense of pride as they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their new role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This nifty buggy is a single-pushchair that can be transformed into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it comes with a variety of clever features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you require an effective travel system for your business?
Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children in a comfortable way. However, they are not necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children you may be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child around on their backs or in front of you.
There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats positioned next to each other, so your children will be able see each other. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair, and are difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are small with a seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and difficult to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they let you convert your stroller to a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
If your children have grown older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they'd prefer walking. But, it's important to remember that they may not want to be in a buggy, and they could easily get tired and angry on longer outings.
Before you make the decision to buy a double buggy from birth make sure you take a look at the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller will simplify life, especially if you need to travel through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.