Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect nipper double buggy buggy, there are many things to take into consideration. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
This buggy is a must-have for active families. It will grow with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It’s light and easy to maneuver and is able to tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy would you like?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit 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 are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a great deal, it’s important to make sure that the buggy be easily moved by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.
You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers strollers or even in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have many seating options (including “cinema” seats) for your little ones to pick from. They’re usually easy to drive and, if you go for a model that has soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular option because they’re easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is located behind the first rather than on top. They’re generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, so 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 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 or side-byside buggies, but they offer plenty of flexibility and a very high cost of resale. They’re generally easy to steer, have 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 with different age groups, a double buggy is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated together and tandem buggies in which one baby is above the other. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
At first, having a younger sibling can feel like a lot of responsibility, especially if you’re taking care of the baby. A double buggy may make it easier for them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child get into their new role as a ‘big brother or sister’.
The side-by-side double buggies could be a great option for twins since both children will have the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that expands widthways to take two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This innovative buggy starts off as an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double, taking the place of a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it comes with a variety of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require an effective travel system for your business?
Double buggies are great for transporting your children around in comfort, but they’re not a necessary purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you might be able to make do with a single stroller and some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child around on their backs or in front of you.
If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to pick from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats positioned near each other, so your children will be able see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller, and may be difficult to maneuver over kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with a single seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can be still quite large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they let you convert your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until he or is able to climb into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example – it can be used for twins or a toddler, a baby or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.
Once your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they prefer to walk. It’s important to keep in mind that they may not always want to be in a buggy, and they could easily become disgruntled and tired when they are on longer excursions.
Before you purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above 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.
