Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing 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.
This buggy is a must-have for active families. It will grow with your family, from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can tackle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also be used as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They are usually light that folds easily and are small 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 and to take out and into your boot.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins and typically have numerous seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to pick from. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. The second seat is located behind the first rather than on the top. The seats are typically larger and heavier than a side-by-side however, so make sure that they will 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 best double strollers -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 and side-by-side buggies, however they provide plenty of flexibility and a very high resale price. They are easy to steer and feature a large storage basket. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the ideal way to transport your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children sit in a row, side-by-side, and tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
A younger sibling can be a big responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the baby. They might be a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older one ahead and so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make everything simpler. It will also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they are able to be "big brother or sister" and help them get used to their role.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a good option for twins, since both children will share the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options, including the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who like to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double, taking the place of a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you require a business travel system?
Double buggies are an ideal way to move your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. You could use one stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit you and your child to travel on their backs or in front.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three types to pick from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats close to each other, which means your children will be able see each one another. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair and are difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact with a seat in the front and a back seat. However they can be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they allow you to convert your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This way, you can keep your infant snuggled in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can be used for twins or a toddler, an infant, or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
Once your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day excursions where they prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they may not always want to be in a buggy and can easily be tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
Before you invest in a double stroller, think about the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life simpler, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.