Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the moment of birth. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have for active families This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and is able to tackle difficult terrain with ease.
What type of buggy would you like?
Double buggys are great for transporting two children at once even if they're not of the same age. They can be used as prams and come with the ability to recline in each seat, so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, fold up easily and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking the buggy's maneuverability with the wheels folded and also to get out and into your car boot.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. They are ideal for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins and typically have a large number of seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to choose from. double umbrella stroller to drive and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are a popular choice as they're typically easier to turn than a side-by-side. This is because the second seat is placed behind the first, rather than over it. The seats are usually wider and bulkier than a side-by-side, so you should check whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins, a baby and toddler 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-byside buggies, but they offer the flexibility of a single buggie and have a high resale price. They're generally easy to steer, come with an enormous storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the best option to move them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated over the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are generally more spacious overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
Having a younger sibling can be an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the baby. A double buggy can help them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.
Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens widthways to take two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options, including the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We also recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair that can be converted into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with a variety of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies can be 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 kids, you may be able to make do with a single stroller and certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child on their back or in front of you.
There are three different types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are positioned in a row, so that your children will be able to see one another. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair and can be tricky 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, however they can be still quite large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they allow you to convert your stroller to an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example - it can be used for twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children are 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 walking. But, it's important to remember that they may not want to be in a buggy and can easily be tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
Before you purchase a double stroller, think about the above factors and your family's unique circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make life easier, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.