Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are plenty 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 an essential item for active families. It will grow with your family, from twins to toddlers. It is light and movable, and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting up to two children at once, even if they are not of the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you drive a great amount, you should ensure that the buggy can be easily pushed around by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.
The most popular type of double buggy is the side-byside, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins and typically have a large number of seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They are usually simple to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first and not on top. They're usually wider than a side-by-side and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby or three children by the addition of an additional buggy board.
Lastly there are Pushchairs And Prams -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 or side-byside buggies, however they provide the flexibility of a single buggie and come with a premium cost of resale. They're generally simple to steer, feature a huge storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient way to transport your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seats.
Do you have a toddler?
At beginning having a younger sibling can feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the baby. A double buggy can also help them to feel included if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child get into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a great choice for twins, since both children will share the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, such as 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 buggy is clever and can start as an individual pushchair, but it can then be converted into a double, taking an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you require a travel system for your business?
Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to get by with a single stroller and certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child around on their back or in front of you.
There are three different types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are positioned in a row, so that your children can be able to see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller and aren't easy to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact, with one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies are great because they allow you to convert your stroller to double buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your infant snuggled comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent illustration of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children are 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. However, it's worth remembering that they might not always prefer to ride in a buggy and can easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
Before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you take a look at the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life simpler, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.