Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy from the time 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.
A must-have for active families This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It is light with great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy would you prefer?
A double buggy is great for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can be used as prams and have the ability to recline within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight that folds easily and are small enough to fit in your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking that the buggy's maneuverability using the folded wheels, as well as to get it in and out of your boot.
You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms strollers, or even in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with many seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They are generally easy to control, and if opt for a model with a soft suspension, they can easily handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first instead of on top of it. The seats are usually larger and heavier than a side by side however, so make sure whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three kids 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 have a great return on investment. They are easy to steer and feature large storage bins. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the best option to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child sits over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are generally wider overall. They can also be able to accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a baby?
Being a parent to a child can be an overwhelming responsibility initially, particularly when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy may allow children to feel included when you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child settle into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best option for twins since they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy with a unique frame that expands in width and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also comes with a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat for an infant bassinet.
If you prefer, we suggest an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. twin umbrella stroller www.pushchairsandprams.uk is clever and can start off as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double, taking a second seat or carrycot, or 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 a 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 children you may be able to get by with just a single stroller and 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 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. These buggies are wider than a single stroller and may be difficult to navigate through kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option, with one seat in the front and a back seat. However, they can be heavy and difficult to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they allow you to convert your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until is able to climb up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent example of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the 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 other day trips where they'd prefer walking. It's important to remember that your children may not always be comfortable in a stroller and might get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, consider the factors mentioned above and your family's unique circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy will make life easier, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.