Buying a double buggy from birth (more information)
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to consider. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have investment for families with active children This buggy can grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It’s lightweight and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle difficult terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is great for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can be used as prams, and they have a reclining mechanism within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They’re usually lightweight double buggy, fold up easily and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you’re someone who drives a lot, it’s worth checking that the buggy’s ease of use using the folded wheels, as well as to get it in and out of your car boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other moms’ strollers or even ridden in one as a child. They’re ideal for twins who are older or who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations and styles, including ‘cinema chairs’. They’re usually easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by sides, are also very popular. The second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on the top. They’re typically larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why it’s essential to make sure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids with the inclusion 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 tend to be more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and a high return on investment. They’re generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on boards for older children and ‘cinema chairs’.
Do you have twins?
lightest double stroller buggys are the ideal way to transport your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two main types of double buggy – side-by-side buggies where your children are seated in a row, side-by-side or tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be more spacious overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.
Do you have children?
Being a parent to a child can be an overwhelming responsibility initially, particularly when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy can also make it easier for them to feel included if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they get to be “big brother or sister” and help them settle into their role.
The side-by-side thule double stroller buggies could be a great option for twins since both children will share the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with a unique frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also provides a variety of configuration options including using the second seat as the bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This nifty buggy is a single pushchair that can be transformed into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with a variety of clever features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies are ideal for bringing your kids around in comfort however they’re not the ideal purchase for every family. You could get by with just a single stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that permit your child and you to travel on their backs or in front.
If you choose to purchase a double pram and pushchair buggy, there are three types to pick from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. The two seats are placed side-by-side, so your children will be able to be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to maneuver over the kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option with a seat at the front and a second one at the back. However, they can be heavy and difficult to push.
Convertible double buggies are great because they allow you to convert your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until is able to climb up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great illustration of this. It’s suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day excursions where they prefer to walk. It’s important to keep in mind that your kids may not always be comfortable in a twin stroller, and may get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.
Before you purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above and your family’s unique circumstances. A solid and reliable double stroller can make life much easier particularly if you have to travel through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.