11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your Double Buggy From Birth

Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the time of 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.

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 can handle difficult terrain with ease.

What type of buggy would you like?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat comes with a reclining mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's important to make sure the buggy's maneuverability with the folded wheels and also to get out and back into your boot.

You might have seen this type 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 usually have numerous seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to pick from. They are generally easy to control, and if opt for a model with a soft suspension, they are able to effortlessly handle the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first rather than on the top. The seats are typically larger and heavier than a traditional side by side and you must ensure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and an infant or three children by 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 they offer a lot of flexibility and a high price for resales. They're generally easy to steer, have large storage bins and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the best way to transport them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting above the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are typically wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seats.

Do you have a child?

Being a parent to a child can be an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the baby. A double buggy can also help them to feel included if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they are able to be "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their new role.

Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and like to explore. This innovative buggy is a single pushchair which can be made double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it includes a number of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require an effective business travel system?

Double buggies can be a great way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't necessary for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children, you may be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child around on their back or in front of you.

There are tandem double buggy of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are set in a row, so that your children can see one another. However, they tend to be wider than a single pushchair and are difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with one seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can still be large and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies are great because they let you convert your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until he or is able to climb to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this - it's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.

If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they might prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they might not always desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.

So, before you decide to purchase a double buggy from birth, take some time to take a look at the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can make life much easier particularly if you have to navigate through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.