Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have purchase for active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight with great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.
What type of buggy do you want?
lightweight twin stroller is great for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also be used as prams and have the ability to recline within each seat, allowing your children can lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space 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're a frequent driver, it's important to make sure the buggy's maneuverability with the wheels folded as well as to get it out and into your car boot.
You might 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 up with you. They also come in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. These are usually easy to steer, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they will effortlessly handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies are also a popular option because they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on the top. They're usually wider than a side-by-side and can be bulky when folded, so it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and on 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' 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 offer lots of versatility and a good resale value. They are easy to steer and have large storage bins. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children sit in a row, side-by-side and tandem buggies in which one child is higher than the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
Having a younger sibling can feel like an overwhelming responsibility initially, particularly when you must tend to the baby. A double buggy can also make it easier for them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with a sense of pride as they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their new role.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best option for twins since they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We also recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This innovative buggy starts as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double, which can include the place of a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't necessary for every family. You might be able to get by with just one stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow you and your child to travel on their backs or in front.
There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are positioned in a row, so that your children can see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be tricky to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option, with one seat in the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by securing the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until he or she is ready to move to the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can be used for twins or a toddler, a baby or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they might not always desire to be in a buggy and can easily become disgruntled and tired when they are on longer excursions.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, think about the factors above and your family's unique circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life easier, particularly when you need to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.