Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect 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 tips on everything from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is a must-have for active families. It grows with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight with great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy would you like?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting up to two children at a time even if they're not of the same age. They can also serve as prams, and they have the ability to recline within each seat, allowing your children can lay down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight that folds easily and are compact enough to fit in your car's boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's important to make sure the buggy's maneuverability with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and back into your car boot.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side by side that you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins and typically have a large number of seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your little ones to pick from. They're usually easy to drive and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. The second seat is placed behind the first rather than on top. They're usually larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three kids 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're generally more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and have a great price for resales. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and can handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child sits over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are typically more spacious overall. They can also be able to accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
At first having a younger sibling could seem like a lot of responsibility especially if you are also caring for the baby. They might be feeling a little secluded when they are in a baby carrier while you push the older sibling ahead and having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life easier. It will also help your child settle into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins as they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be hefty and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy that features an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options including using the second seat as an infant bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This clever buggy is a single-pushchair which can be made a double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are an excellent way to transport your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children, you may be able to do with a single stroller and some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child around on their backs or in front of you.
There are three different types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats that are near each other, which means your children will be able see each one another. However, www.pushchairsandprams.uk tend to be wider than a single pushchair and are difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, however they can be still quite large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by securing an infant car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up safely in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great illustration of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children become older and more capable, you can use a double buggy to take them to cycling trips or other day trips in which they prefer to walk. But, it's important to remember that they might not always desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily be tired and disgruntled on longer outings.
Before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning, take some time to consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller will simplify your life particularly if you have to navigate through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.