20 Questions You Need To Have To Ask About Double Buggy From Birth Before Buying It
Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things 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.
This buggy is a must-have for active families. It grows 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 want?
A double buggy is great for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If double strollers drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded and to take in and out of your boot.
The most common type of double buggy is the side by side that you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. They're ideal for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They are usually simple to steer, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily navigate the kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first rather than on top of it. The seats are usually wider and bulkier than a side-by-side and you must ensure whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used for 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 and tandem buggies but offer lots of versatility and a good price for resales. They're generally easy to steer, have large storage bins and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient method of transporting your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to fit through doors. Tandems are typically more spacious overall. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a toddler?
At first, having a younger sibling may feel like a lot of responsibility especially if you're taking care of the baby. They might also feel left out when they are in a baby carrier while you push the older one ahead and having a double buggy from birth can make everything easier. It can also give your child a sense of pride as they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them get used 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 are bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are keen to explore. This nifty buggy is a single pushchair that can be converted into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has lots of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a travel system?
Double buggies are excellent for bringing your kids around in comfort but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You might be able to use one stroller, and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that allow your child and you to be able to travel on their backs, or in front.
There are three 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 see each other. They are wider than a single stroller and may be difficult to navigate around kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option with a seat at the front and another at the back. However, they can be heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful as they allow you to transform your stroller to an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your infant snuggled in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main 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 children with the the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they might prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your kids may not always like to be in a stroller and might get tired and angry on longer outings.
Before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth, take some time to take a look at the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy will make life easier, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or busy malls.