Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from the moment of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her advice on everything ranging 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 toddlers to twins. It is lightweight and movable, and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.
What style of buggy do you prefer?
Double buggys are great for transporting two children at once, even if they are not the same age. They can be used as prams and come with recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can lie down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and into your car boot.
The most common type of double buggy is the side-by-side, which you've likely seen on other moms' pushchairs or even rode in as a child. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins and typically have many seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to pick from. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by sides, are also very popular. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on the top. The seats are generally larger and heavier than a side-by-side and you must ensure whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three kids 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 a lot of flexibility and a very high cost of resale. They are easy to steer and feature large storage bins. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient method to transport your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two primary kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children sit side by side, and tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have children?
Being a parent to a child can be a big responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the baby. A double buggy can also help them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child settle into their new role of big brother or sister'.
Side-by-side buggies can be a good option for twins, as both children will share the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also comes with a variety of configuration options, including the second seat as an infant bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are keen to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.
Do you require an automated system of travel for your business?
Double buggies can be a great way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't required for every family. You may be able make do with one stroller with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that permit you and your child to travel on their backs or in the front.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are placed parallel to each other, so your children can see one another. They are larger than a single stroller, and may be difficult to navigate over the kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact with a seat in the front and a second one at the back. However, they can be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until is ready to step into 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 children with the the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children become older and more mobile to walk, you can opt for double buggys to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they may prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they may not want to be in a buggy and can easily become disgruntled and tired when they are on longer excursions.
Before you invest in a double stroller, take into consideration the above factors and your family's unique situation. A reliable and sturdy double buggy will make life easier, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.