Buying double pushchair From Birth
There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the moment of birth. We spoke to 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 through to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and can tackle uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy do want?
A double buggy is great for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also be used as prams and have the ability to recline in each seat so your children can lay down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy's maneuverability with the folded wheels and also to get out and into your car boot.
You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums strollers or even in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with many seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They're usually pretty easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model with a soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. The second seat is located behind the first and not on top. They're generally bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three children with the addition of a buggy.
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-by-side buggies, but they offer plenty of flexibility and come with a premium selling price. They are easy to steer and come with a large storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the ideal way to transport your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child is seated over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
Being a parent to a child can feel like an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy can also allow them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also give your child a sense of pride as they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their role.
The side-by-side double buggies can be a great choice for twins since both children will have the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with a unique frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also offers different configuration options such as using the second seat for the bassinet.
Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This nifty buggy is a single pushchair that can be transformed into a double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it features numerous thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.
Do you require an automated business travel system?
Double buggies are great to transport your children around in comfort but they're not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids you might be able to get by with just a single stroller and certain attachments such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child around on their back or in front of you.
If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats next to each other, so your children will be able to see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and are difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and another in the rear, but they are still large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to convert a single stroller into a double buggy by securing a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your infant snuggled in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent illustration - it could be used with twins, a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.
If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they might prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they may not always desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.
So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you are required to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.