Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of 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 investment for families with active children This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you prefer?
Double buggys are perfect for transporting two children at once, even if they are not of the same age. They can also function as prams. Each seat has a reclining mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold up easily and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking that the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels and also to get in and out of your car boot.
You might have seen this type of double buggy on other moms strollers, or even in one as a child. cheap double pushchair are ideal for older siblings who want to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with a large number of seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to pick from. These are usually easy to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they can effortlessly handle kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular option since they're more maneuverable 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 crucial to ensure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a baby or three children 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're generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and have a great return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, have an enormous storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
If best double buggy are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to transport them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
Having a younger sibling can feel like quite an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy can also allow them to feel included if you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can aid your child in settling into their new role as big brother or sister'.
twin stroller -by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, including using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who like to explore. This clever buggy can start as an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double, taking the place of a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are ideal to transport your children around in comfort but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you might be able to make do with a single stroller and certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry 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 placed in a row, so that your children will be able to be able to see each other. They are larger than a single stroller and aren't easy to maneuver over the kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option that has one seat in the front and a second one at the back. However they can be quite heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example of this - it can be used for twins or a toddler, a baby or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they might not always prefer to ride in a buggy, and they could easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.
Before you decide to 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 busy malls.