The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Heard About Double Buggy From Birth
Buying double strollers From Birth
When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are many aspects to consider. 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.
A must-have purchase for active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight, has great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy would you like?
Double buggys are perfect for transporting two children at once, even if they are not the same age. They can also serve as prams, and they have recline mechanisms within each seat, allowing your children can lay down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage space to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight, fold easily, and small enough to fit in your car's boot. If you drive a great deal, it's important to ensure that the buggy can be easily moved with the folded wheels in your boot and taken out.
The most common type of double buggy is the side-by-side that you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. They're great for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They're generally easy to steer and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. The seats are generally larger and heavier than a side by side and you must ensure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, a baby or three children by the addition of an additional 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 a high return on investment. They are easy to steer and feature an ample storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best method to transport your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have children?
At first, having a younger sibling could feel like a lot of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the infant. They may be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in a baby carrier while you push the older one to the side and so having a double buggy from birth will make life easier. It can also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they get to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best option for twins because they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start off as a single pushchair and can be converted into a double, which can include an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has lots of clever features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort, but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You could get by with just one stroller with a few attachments, such as baby straps and toddler carriers that allow you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in front.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats close to each other, so your children will be able see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and are difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are small, with one seat in the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and difficult to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by securing a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can be used with twins, a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.
As your children grow older and more able, you can use a double buggy to take them on cycling trips or other day trips where they may prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not always prefer to ride in a buggy and could easily get tired and angry on longer outings.
Before you purchase a double stroller, consider the factors above and your family's unique circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life easier, especially when you are required to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.