The Ugly Truth About Double Buggy From Birth
Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are many things to consider. 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.
A must-have for families with active children This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting up to two children at a time, even if they are not the same age. They can also function as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can lie down or sit in various positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are usually light that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy's ease of use with the wheels folded and also to get out and into your car boot.
You may have seen this type of double buggy on other moms strollers or even in one as a child. They are ideal for older siblings who wish to keep up with you, or for twins and typically have numerous seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They are usually simple to steer, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they will easily handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. The second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on the top. double pushchair than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, an infant 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 more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, but they offer the flexibility of a single buggie and have a high cost of resale. They are easy to steer and feature large storage bins. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with built-in ride-on boards and "cinema seating" for your older child.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children sit together and tandem buggies in which one child is placed above the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are generally larger overall. They can also accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a baby?
At first, having a younger sibling could seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you're taking care of the baby. A double buggy can also make it easier for them to feel included if you put them in a baby 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 adjust to their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best option for twins as they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.
If you prefer, we suggest alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This clever buggy can start with an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double, which can include a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has lots of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children in a comfortable way. However, they are not necessary for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you might be able to get by with just a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child on their backs or in front of you.
If you do opt for a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. The two seats are set in a row, so that your children can see one another. However, these are generally larger than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are a more compact alternative, with one seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they are still heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful as they allow you to transform your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until he/she she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic illustration of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children get older and more capable, you can use double buggys to accompany them on bicycle rides or for day trips where they may prefer to walk. But, it's important to remember that they might not always desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily be tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
Before you invest in a double stroller, think about the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. A solid and reliable double stroller will simplify your life especially if you need to navigate busy streets or crowded shopping centres.