11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your Double Buggy From Birth
Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are plenty of things 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 grows with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy do want?
A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also function as prams. Each seat has a reclining mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks 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 amount, it's essential to make sure that the buggy be easily maneuvered with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums strollers or even in one as a kid. They're great for twins or older siblings who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They're generally easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model with soft suspension, make light work of the kerbs.
double pram and pushchair , which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. This is because the second seat sits behind the first, instead of sitting on top of it. The seats are typically bigger and bulkier than a side by side and you must ensure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, however they provide a lot of flexibility and come with a premium resale price. They are easy to steer and feature a large storage basket. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the best way to transport them around. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children are seated in a row, side-by-side or tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are generally wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.
Do you have one?
At beginning having a younger sibling could feel like a lot of responsibility especially if you are also caring for the baby. They might be a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling to the side and having a double buggy from birth can make things easier. It can also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them get used to their new role.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to have the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy that features an innovative frame that expands in width and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also comes with a variety of configuration options, including the second seat as a bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who like to explore. This innovative buggy starts as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double by adding the place of a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with a variety of clever features that will keep everyone 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 may be able to get by using a single stroller with some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child on their backs or in front of you.
If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side-by-side as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats next to each other, meaning that your children can see each one another. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option, with one seat in the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and difficult to push.
Convertible double buggies are fantastic as they allow you to transform your stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until he or she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children are older and have more endurance, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not want to be in a buggy, and they could easily get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.
Before you purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors mentioned above and your family's unique circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller will make life much easier especially if you need to navigate busy streets or bustling shopping centres.