10 Quick Tips About Double Buggy From Birth
Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy from birth. 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.
A must-have for active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins to toddlers. best double stroller with great manoeuvrability and is able to tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy would you prefer?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also serve as prams and have the ability to recline in each seat so your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and are compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking that the buggy's maneuverability with the wheels folded and to take out and into your car boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers strollers, or even in one as a kid. They're ideal for older siblings or twins who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in various seating options and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They are usually simple to steer, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily navigate the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are also a popular choice as they're typically easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is positioned behind the first and not on the top. They're generally wider than a side-by-side and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's important to check they'll be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three children 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 provide plenty of versatility and a good price for resales. They are easy to steer and come with large storage bins. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with an integrated ride-on board that can be used as "cinema seating" for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children are seated together or tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a toddler?
Being a parent to a child can be a big responsibility initially, particularly when you must tend to the infant. They might also feel left out if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one ahead, so having a double buggy from birth can make everything simpler. It will aid your child in settling into their new role as big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best option for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded in width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.
If you prefer, we suggest the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start as a single pushchair and is then convertible into a double, which can include the place of a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and has lots of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't necessary for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you may be able to make do with a single stroller and certain attachments such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child on their back or in front of you.
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 that are close to each other, meaning that your children can see each one another. They are larger than a single stroller, and may be difficult to navigate around the kerbs. Tandem buggies provide a more compact alternative, with a single seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can be still quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are great because they let you convert your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This allows you to keep your newborn snuggled up in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example - it can be used with twins or a toddler, a baby or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children become older and more mobile, you can use double buggys to accompany them to bicycle rides or for day trips where they might prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they may not prefer to ride in a buggy, and they could easily get tired and angry on longer outings.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above and your family's unique situation. A durable and reliable double buggy can make life simpler, especially when you have to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.