Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy right 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, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.
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 also serve as prams, and they have a reclining mechanism 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 nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, fold easily, and compact enough to fit into your car boot. If you travel a significant deal, it's important to make sure that the buggy be easily pushed around with the wheels folded in your car boot, and then removed.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. pushchair twin Pushchairs And Prams are perfect for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in various seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They are usually simple to steer, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they can easily handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat sits behind the first, rather than over it. The seats are usually bigger and bulkier than a side by side, so you should check that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids with the inclusion 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 are generally more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a high resale value. They're generally simple to steer, feature large storage bins and can handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two primary kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children sit in a row, side-by-side and tandem buggies in which one child is placed above the other. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are generally more spacious overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seats.
Do you have one?
At first having a younger sibling may seem like a lot of responsibility particularly if you're also caring for 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 right from the beginning will make life easier. It will also give your child an immense sense of pride when they become a "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their new role.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins as they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands widthways to take two seats fixed and provides different configuration options, including using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We also recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with a single pushchair and is then convertible into a double, which can include a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies are excellent to transport your children around in comfort but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You could get by with just one stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow you and your child to ride on their backs or in front.
There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats near each other, meaning that your children will be able to see each other. They are larger than a single stroller, and aren't easy to maneuver around the kerbs. Tandem buggies are small, with one seat in the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are great because they let you convert your stroller to a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until he/she is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example - it can be used with twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.
If your children have grown older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they might prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your kids may not always be comfortable in a stroller and could be tired and irritable during longer trips.
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 reliable and sturdy double buggy can make life easier, particularly when you are required to navigate busy streets or busy malls.