Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the moment 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.
compact double stroller is an essential item for active families. It will grow with you and your family, from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight and movable, and is able to handle uneven terrain easily.
What type 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 has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy's ease of use with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and back into your boot.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have a large number of seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your children to pick from. They are usually simple to navigate, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they will easily navigate the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first rather than on the top. The seats are usually larger and heavier 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, with 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. double travel stroller than side-by-sides and tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and have a great return on investment. They are easy to steer and have large storage bins. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the best way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seats.
Do you have a baby?
Having a younger sibling can feel like quite a big responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the infant. A double buggy can allow them to feel included if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their role.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best option for twins because they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be hefty and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc with its innovative frame that can be expanded the width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This clever buggy can start as an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.
Do you require an automated system of travel for your business?
Double buggies are great for bringing your kids around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You could use one stroller and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that permit you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in front.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. The two seats are placed parallel to each other, so your children will be able to see one another. However, these are generally larger than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are a more compact alternative, with one seat in the front and another in the rear, but they are still long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example - it can be used for twins, a toddler and a baby or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.
If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they might prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your children might not always be comfortable in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to purchase a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you think about the above points and the particular circumstances of your family. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify life especially if you need to travel through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.