Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her suggestions on everything from seating options and age groups, to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is a must-have for active families. It grows with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It is light, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is great for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also be used as prams, and they have a reclining mechanism in each seat, so your children can lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight that folds easily and are small enough to fit in the car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre using the folded wheels, and to take out and into your boot.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-by-side one, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child yourself. They're great for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They're usually easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. The second seat is located behind the first and not on top. They're typically bigger than a side-byside and can be heavy when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, 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 generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of versatility and a good return on investment. They are easy to steer and feature large storage bins. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with built-in ride-on boards and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient method of transporting your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated in a row, side-by-side and tandem buggies in which one child is higher than the other. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in size to fit through doors. Tandems are generally larger overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have a baby?
Being a parent to a child can feel like a big responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the baby. A double buggy may allow them to feel included if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can aid your child in settling into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins since they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands widthways to take two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who love to explore. This nifty buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into a double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). double pram pushchair is perfect for rough terrain and includes a number of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require an automated system of travel for your business?
Double buggies are ideal for transporting your children around in comfort, but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children, you may be able to get by with a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child on their backs or in front of you.
If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side by side as well as convertible. The two seats are positioned parallel to each other, so your children can be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller and may be difficult to navigate around the kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an alternative that is smaller, with one seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they can be still quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they allow you to convert your stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your baby comfortably in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example - it can be used for twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children become older and more able, you can use double buggys to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they may prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they may not prefer to ride in a buggy, and they could easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
Before you invest in a double stroller, take into consideration the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life simpler, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or busy malls.