The Most Advanced Guide To Double Buggy From Birth
Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her tips 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's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy would you like?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit and stand double stroller or lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold easily and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's important to make sure the buggy's ease of use with the folded wheels and to take out and into your car boot.
The most popular type of double buggy is the side-by-side, which you've probably seen on other mums' Pushchairs double or even rode in as a kid. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins. They usually have numerous seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to pick from. They are generally easy to control, and if select a model that has a soft suspension, they can effortlessly handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. The second seat is located behind the first and not on the top. The seats are usually bigger and bulkier 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, a toddler, three children by the addition of an extra 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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-byside buggies, however they provide plenty of flexibility and a very high selling price. They're generally easy to steer, have an enormous storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best method to transport your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
At beginning having a younger sibling could feel like a lot of responsibility especially if you are also taking care of the baby. They might be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling ahead and having a double buggy from the start will make life easier. It will also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best double buggy option for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded in width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and like to explore. This clever buggy can start off as a single pushchair and is then convertible into a double buggy that converts to single by adding a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and comes with a variety of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a travel system?
double seat stroller buggies can be an ideal way to move your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't required for every family. You may be able make do with a single stroller, and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler straps that allow your child and you to travel on their backs or in the front.
If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats that are close to each other, meaning that your children can see each one another. They are larger than a single stroller and may be difficult to navigate through the kerbs. Tandem buggies are small, with one seat in the front and another at the back. However they can be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double umbrella stroller buggies are great because they allow you to convert your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This will allow you to keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example - it can be used with twins or a toddler, a baby or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they may not always prefer to ride in a buggy and could easily get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.
So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy will make life easier, particularly when you have to navigate through busy streets or busy malls.