Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are plenty of things to consider. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have purchase for active families This buggy can grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is light with great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.
What style of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are great for transporting two children at the same time, even if they are not of the same age. They can be used as prams, and they have recline mechanisms within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They’re often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They’re usually lightweight, fold easily, and small enough to fit in your car’s boot. If you’re someone who drives a lot, it’s worth checking the buggy’s ease of use using the folded wheels, and to take out and back into your boot.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-by-side one, which you’ve likely seen on other moms’ pushchairs or even rode in as a child yourself. They’re great for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They also come in various seating configurations and styles, including ‘cinema chairs’. They are usually simple to control, and if select a model that has a soft suspension, they are able to effortlessly handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by sides, are also popular. The second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on top. They’re typically bigger than a side-byside and can be heavy when folded, so it’s crucial to ensure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and an infant or three children by the addition of an additional 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-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a very high cost of resale. They’re generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on board for older children and ‘cinema seats’.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a smallest double buggy buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two main kinds of double buggy – side-by-side buggies in which your children sit together or tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seat.
Do you have children?
Being a parent to a child can be an overwhelming responsibility initially, particularly when you need to be attentive to the infant. They might be a bit irritated when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older one to the side and having a double buggy from the start can make everything simpler. It can also provide your child with a sense of pride as they get to be “big brother or sister” and help them adjust to their new role.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a good option for twins, since both children will have the same view. However they’re heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy that features an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also comes with a variety of configuration options, including the second seat to create the bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This nifty buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough All Terrain Double Buggy and it comes with a variety of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require an effective travel system for your business?
Double buggies are great for transporting your children around in comfort but they’re not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you may be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child around on their backs or in front of you.
If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats next to each other, which means your children can see each other. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair and are difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are a more compact twin stroller alternative, with a single seat in the front and a second in the rear, however they can be still quite large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are great as they allow you to transform your stroller to a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This will allow you to keep your infant snuggled safely in their car seat until they’re ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent illustration of this. It’s suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children become older and more mobile, you can use double buggys to accompany them on cycling trips or other day trips in which they prefer to walk. However, it’s worth remembering that they may not want to be in a buggy and can easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.
Before you invest in a double stroller, think about the factors mentioned above and your family’s specific circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life easier, especially when you have to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.
