9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Double Buggy From Birth
Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when choosing 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 to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is a must-have for active families. It grows with your family from toddlers to twins. It is light, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in various positions. pushchairsandprams.uk of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight they fold easily and are small enough to fit in your car's boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking that the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded and to take in and out of your car boot.
You might have seen this type of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They're great for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They're usually easy to drive and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular option because they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is positioned behind the first rather than on top. The seats are generally bigger and bulkier than a side by side and you must ensure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and a baby or three children with the addition of a buggy.
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 more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, however they provide plenty of flexibility and a very high resale price. They're generally simple to steer, feature large storage bins and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models even come with a built-in ride-on board and "cinema seating" for your older child.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the best way to transport them around. There are two primary kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated together and tandem buggies in which one child is higher than the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
Being a parent to a child can feel like an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the infant. A double buggy can also help them to feel included if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with a sense of pride as they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them settle into their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered to be the best choice for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and 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 the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies are great for transporting your children around in comfort, but they're not essential for every family. You could make do with a single stroller, and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit you and your child 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 as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats next to each other, so your children will be able see each one another. These buggies are wider than a single stroller and can be difficult to maneuver around the kerbs. Tandem buggies are an alternative that is smaller, with one 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 wonderful 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 infant snuggled in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this - it's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children 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 be comfortable in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
Before you invest in a double stroller, consider the factors mentioned above and your family's specific circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or busy malls.