Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the moment of birth. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have purchase for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight with great maneuverability and can 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 be used as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They’re usually lightweight they fold easily and are small enough to fit in your car’s boot. If you drive a lot it’s worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre using the folded wheels, and also to get in and out of your boot.
You might 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 many seating configurations (including ‘cinema’ seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They’re usually easy to drive and, if you go for a model with a soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. This is because the second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on top of it. The seats are usually larger and heavier than a side-by-side, so you should check whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids with the inclusion 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 tend to be more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a high price for resales. They’re generally simple to steer, feature an enormous storage basket 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 best way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child is seated above the other, and side by side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
At first, having a younger sibling may feel like a lot of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. They may also feel left out if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one to the side and so having a double buggy from the start can make everything simpler. It will aid your child in settling into their new role as a ‘big brother or sister’.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best option for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy that features an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options such as using the second seat for a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This clever buggy can start off as a single pushchair and can be converted into a double, which can include 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 numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children safely. However they aren’t required for every family. Depending 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.
If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side by side as well as convertible. The two seats are placed side-by-side, so your children will be able to see one another. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies offer a more compact alternative, with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, however they can still be large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are great as they allow you to transform your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your baby comfortably in their car seat until they’re ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this. It’s suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.
As your children grow older and more able to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them to cycling trips or other day trips where they might prefer walking. It’s important to keep in mind that your children may not always enjoy being in a stroller and might be tired and irritable when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to purchase a double pushchairs stroller, think about the factors above and your family’s specific circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life easier, particularly when you are required to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.
