Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. 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 purchase for active families This buggy can grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are great for transporting up to two children at once, even if they are not the same age. They can also be used as prams and have a reclining mechanism in each seat, so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight that folds easily and are small enough to fit in your car boot. If you travel a lot amount, it's essential to check that the buggy can be easily pushed around with the wheels folded in your car boot and removed.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-by-side one, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. They're great for twins who are older or who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in various seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They are usually simple to navigate, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they can easily navigate kerbs.
Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first rather than on top. They're usually wider than a side-by-side and can be heavy when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and 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 a lot of flexibility and a very high selling price. They are easy to steer and have a large storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the ideal method to transport your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are generally larger overall. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have a toddler?
A younger sibling can feel like quite a big responsibility initially, particularly when you must tend to the baby. A double buggy can also help them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with a sense of pride as they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their new role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins since they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that can be expanded in width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This innovative buggy starts off as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double by adding an additional seat, a carrycot or a 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 business travel system?
Double buggies are excellent to transport your children around in comfort, but they're not essential for every family. You might be able to get by with just one stroller, and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit your child and you to be able to travel on their backs, or in the front.
There are three different types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats next to each other, which means your children will be able to see each other. They are larger than a single stroller and may be difficult to maneuver over the kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option that has one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However, they can be heavy and difficult to push.
Convertible double buggies are great as they allow you to transform your stroller into double buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until he/she is ready to step to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children become older and more able, you can use a double buggy to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they may prefer walking. thule double stroller to keep in mind that they may not always desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily get tired and angry during longer trips.
So, before you decide to purchase a double stroller from the beginning make sure you think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you are required to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.