Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from birth. 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 purchase for families with active children This buggy will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. twin pushchairs with great manoeuvrability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are great for transporting two children at the same time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also be used as prams and come with a reclining mechanism in each seat so your children can lay down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space to store everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold easily and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy's ease of use using the folded wheels, as well as to get it out and into your boot.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers strollers, or even in one as a child. They are perfect for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They also come in various seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They're usually easy to drive and, if you opt for a model that has soft suspension, make light work of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are also a popular option since they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first one, instead of sitting over it. The seats are generally bigger and bulkier than a traditional side by side and you must ensure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and three children by the addition 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're generally more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of versatility and a good price for resales. They are easy to steer and feature a large storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some even have an integrated ride-on board that can be used as cinema seating for your older child.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to move them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits 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 width to allow for access through doors. Tandems tend to be larger overall. They can also be able to accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
At first having a younger sibling could feel like a lot of responsibility especially if you are also caring for the baby. They may also feel left out if they are placed in a baby carrier while you push the older sibling ahead, so having a double buggy from birth will make life simpler. It can aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best option for twins because they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be heavy 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 offers different configuration options including using the second seat as the bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This innovative buggy is a single pushchair that can be converted into double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone content.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are an excellent way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't required for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children, you may be able to get by with a single stroller and some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child on their back or in front of you.
If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three types to pick from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats positioned near each other, so your children will be able to see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to navigate through the kerbs. Tandem buggies offer a more compact alternative, with a seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can be still quite heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to transform one stroller into double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent illustration of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three children with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day excursions where they prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they may not always desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily become disgruntled and tired during longer trips.
Before you purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the above factors and your family's unique situation. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can make life much easier, especially if you need to navigate busy streets or crowded shopping centres.