10 Facts About Double Buggy From Birth That Will Instantly Put You In Good Mood
Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are a lot of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her suggestions on everything from seating options and age groups, to folding mechanisms and storage.
A must-have purchase for active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do want?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but 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 sit or lay down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you travel a significant amount, it's essential to ensure that the buggy can be easily pushed around with the wheels folded in your car boot and removed.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-by-side that you've probably seen on other mums' pushchairs or even rode in as a kid. They're great for older siblings or twins who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you opt for a model that has soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.
Tandem buggies are also a popular option because they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. The second seat is located behind the first and not on the top. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be a bit 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, a baby or three children with the addition of an extra 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 they offer a lot of flexibility and have a great resale value. They're generally easy to steer, come with an enormous storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models even come with a built-in ride-on board and cinema seating for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting above the other, and side-byside buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate both a toddler seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a toddler?
Having best double buggy 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 when they are in a baby carrier while you push the older one along and so having a double buggy from the start can make everything simpler. It will also help your child settle into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a good option for twins, as both children will have the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that opens widthways to take two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as an infant carrier or bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who are keen to explore. This clever buggy can start as a single pushchair but it can then be converted into a double by adding the place of a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and comes with a variety of clever features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require an effective business travel system?
Double buggies are ideal to transport your children around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children, you may be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child around on their backs or in front of you.
If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three kinds to pick from: side-by-side as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats positioned close to each other, meaning that your children will be able to see each other. However, these are generally larger than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact, with one seat at the front and another at the back. However, they can be heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they allow you to convert your stroller to double buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until he or is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children become older and more mobile, you can use double buggys to accompany them on cycling trips or other day trips where they might prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your kids may not always enjoy being in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
So, before you make the decision to buy a double stroller from the beginning make sure you take a look at the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make life easier, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.