Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are a lot of aspects 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.
This buggy is an essential item for active families. It grows with your family, from twins to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.
What style of buggy do want?
Double buggys are great for transporting two children at a time, even if they are not the same age. They can also be used as prams, and they have recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can lay down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, fold easily, and compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you drive a great amount, it's essential to check that the buggy can be easily maneuvered with the wheels folded in your boot and taken out.
You might 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 wish to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with numerous seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to choose from. They are usually simple to control, and if select a model that has a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular option since they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first instead of on top of it. They're generally wider than a side-by-side and can be heavy when folded, which is why 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, 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. They are more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, however they provide the flexibility of a single buggie and a very high resale price. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and "cinema seating" for your older child.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient method of transporting your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children sit side by side and tandem buggies in which one child is placed above the other. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
At first having a younger sibling can seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, particularly if you're also caring for the baby. They might be a bit irritated if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older one ahead and so having a double buggy from the start can make everything easier. It can also help your child get into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best option for twins because they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.
link homepage recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who like to explore. This clever buggy is a single-pushchair that can be transformed into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and includes a number of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require an automated business travel system?
Double buggies are ideal to transport your children around in comfort but they're not essential for every family. You could make do with one stroller, and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow your child and you to be able to travel on their backs, or in the front.
If you decide to go with 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 that are near each other, meaning that your children can see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are an easier way to travel with a single seat in the front and another in the rear, but they can still be long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until she is ready to move into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great illustration of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they prefer walking. It's important to remember that your children may not always enjoy being in a stroller and might get tired and angry during longer trips.
Before you purchase a double stroller, 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 overcrowded shopping centers.