Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the time of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her tips on everything from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.
This buggy is a must-have for active families. It grows with your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight, has great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain easily.
What style of buggy do you want?
Double buggys are ideal for transporting two children at once even if they're not of the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, fold up easily and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy's ease of use with the wheels folded and also to get out and into your boot.
The most well-known type of double buggy is the side by side one, which you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. They're great for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They also come in various seating options, including 'cinema seats'. They are usually simple to steer, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they will effortlessly handle the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is because the second seat is placed behind the first, instead of sitting on top of it. The seats are generally wider and bulkier than a traditional side by side however, so make sure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three kids 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 tend to be more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and a high return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, have an enormous storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and cinema seating for your child's older.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the best way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated side by side and tandem buggies in which one baby is above the other. click the following article can be fitted with two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.
Do you have a child?
At beginning, having a younger sibling could seem like a lot of responsibility particularly if you're also caring for the infant. They might be feeling a little secluded when they are in a baby carrier while you push the older one along, so having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life simpler. It can also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them settle into their role.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best option for twins since they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that opens the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including the second seat being used as an infant carrier or bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and like to explore. This nifty buggy is a single pushchair that can be transformed into double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it has lots of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies are an excellent way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't necessary for every family. You might be able to get by with just one stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit you and your child to ride on their backs or in the front.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats positioned near each other, meaning that your children will be able see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and aren't easy to maneuver over kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact with a seat in the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they let you convert your stroller to a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until he or is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer to walk. It's important to remember that your children might not always enjoy being in a stroller, and may get tired and angry during longer trips.
Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, consider the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can simplify life, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.