Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from birth. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is an essential item for active families. It grows with your family from toddlers to twins. It’s lightweight, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can be used as prams, and they have recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can lie down in different positions. They’re often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They’re usually lightweight, fold easily, and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a great amount, it’s essential to make sure that the buggy be easily moved with the folded wheels in your car boot, and then removed.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers strollers or even in one as a kid. They’re ideal for older siblings or twins 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 pretty easy to steer and, if you go for a model with a soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are also a popular option because they’re easier to turn than a side-by-side. The second seat is positioned behind the first and not on the top. They’re generally bigger than a side-byside and can be heavy when folded, so it’s important to check they’ll be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a baby or three children with the addition of a buggy board.
Lastly there are the’single-to-double stroller for twins‘ convertibles which can be used as a single double stroller twin pushchair from birth then convert to a double by attaching a second seat, carrycot or car seat to their clever frame. They’re generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high price for resales. They’re generally easy to steer, have large storage bins and can handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and ‘cinema seats’.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of Thule Double stroller buggy – side-by-side buggies where your children sit and stand double stroller together and tandem buggies in which one baby is above the other. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are typically wider overall. They can also accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
Having a younger sibling can feel like quite an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the infant. They might be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older one along and so having a double buggy from birth can make everything easier. It can also provide your child with the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they become a ‘big brother or sister’ and help them get used to their role.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a great choice for twins since each child will get the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy that features an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also comes with a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat as the bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who like to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair that can be transformed into a double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are ideal for transporting your children around in comfort but they’re not a necessary purchase for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you might be able to get by with a single stroller and some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child 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 see one another. They are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are an alternative that is smaller, with one seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can still be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform one stroller into a double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your baby comfortably in their car seat until they’re ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic illustration of this. It’s suitable for twins or a toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.
Once your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they’d prefer walking. But, it’s important to remember that they might not always desire to be in a buggy and could easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller from the beginning be sure to think about the above points and your family’s specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life simpler, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.