Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are many things to take into consideration. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her advice on everything ranging from seating options and age groups, to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is an essential item for active families. It grows with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.
What style of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is great for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and small enough to fit into your car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking that the buggy's maneuverability with the wheels folded and also to get out and into your car boot.
You might have seen this type of double buggy on other mums strollers, or even in one as a child. They're ideal for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They also come in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. These are usually easy to navigate, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they are able to effortlessly handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first rather than on the top. They're usually wider than a side-by-side and can be heavy when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins, a baby and toddler or three children with the addition of a 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 are generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and have a great price for resales. They're generally simple to steer, feature large storage bins and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and 'cinema seating' for your older child.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child is seated over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
A younger sibling can feel like quite a big responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the baby. They may be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier while you push the older sibling along and so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make things simpler. It will also give your child an immense sense of pride when they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who like to explore. This nifty buggy is a single pushchair that can be converted into a double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that are sure to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a system of travel for your business?
Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to do using a single stroller with some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport 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 set side-by-side, so your children will be able to be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to navigate through the kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with a single seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can be still quite long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform one stroller into a double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. lightweight double buggy , you can 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, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children get older and more mobile to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to accompany them on bicycle rides or for day trips in which they prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they may not prefer to ride in a buggy and can easily get tired and angry during longer trips.
Before you invest in a double stroller, consider the above factors and your family's unique circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life easier, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or busy malls.