Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of things to consider. We spoke with 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 purchase for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.
What style of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat is equipped with a reclining mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, easy to fold and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded and to take out and back into your boot.
The most common type of double buggy is the side-byside, which you've probably seen on other mums' pushchairs or even rode in as a child. They're ideal for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They also come in various seating options, including 'cinema seats'. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by sides, are also popular. The second seat is located behind the first rather than on top. The seats are typically wider and bulkier than a side-by-side, so you should check whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby or three children by 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 tend to be more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and a high price for resales. They are easy to steer and come with an ample storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Whether double pram pushchair Pushchairs And Prams are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the best option to move them around. There are two types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies where your children sit together, and tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both buggies can accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seats.
Do you have a baby?
At beginning having a younger sibling may seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also caring for the infant. They might be feeling a little secluded when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling to the side and having a double buggy from birth can make everything easier. It will also help your child get into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a good option for twins, as each child will get the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy that features an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also offers different configuration options, including the second seat for a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who are keen to explore. This innovative buggy starts with a single pushchair but it can then be converted into a double by adding a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that are sure to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies can be an excellent way to transport your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids you may be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child around on their back or in front of you.
If you do opt for a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side by side as well as convertible. The two seats are placed in a row, so that your children will be able to see each other. However, they tend to be wider than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies provide a more compact alternative, with a single seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they can be still quite heavy and long 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 leave your baby in the car seat until he or she is ready to move into the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can be used with twins or a toddler, one or more children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
When your children are older and have more endurance, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they might not always prefer to ride in a buggy, and they could easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
Before you purchase a double stroller, consider the above factors and your family's unique circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify your life especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.