Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of things to consider. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

This buggy is an essential item for active families. It grows with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.

What type of buggy do want?

A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They’re typically lightweight, fold easily and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a lot deal, it’s important to make sure that the buggy be easily pushed around with the wheels folded in your boot and taken out.

The most common type of double buggy is the side-byside one, which you’ve probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. They’re great for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating options and styles, including ‘cinema chairs’. They’re generally easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model with a soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies are another popular option since they’re easier to turn than side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat sits behind the first rather than over it. 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 for twins, a baby and toddler or three kids 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’re more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, but they offer the flexibility of a single to double pushchair buggie and have a high resale price. They are easy to steer and come with a large storage basket. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and ‘cinema seats’.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the best option to transport them around. 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 accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are typically larger overall. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.

Do you have one?

A younger sibling can be a big responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. They might also feel left out if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling along, so having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life easier. It will also give your child a sense of pride as they get to be ‘big brother or sister’ and help them adjust to their role.

Side-by-side buggies can be a great option for twins, since both children will share the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that expands widthways to take two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who love to explore. This clever buggy can start off as an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double by adding an additional seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies are an excellent way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren’t required 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, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child around on their backs or in front of you.

If you do opt for a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats positioned next to each other, meaning that your children can see each one another. These buggies are wider than a single stroller and aren’t easy to navigate around the kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option, with one seat at the front and another at the back. However, they can be heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into a Double prams with shock-absorbing suspension buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until he or is able to climb to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this – it’s suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.

As your children grow older and more mobile and able, you can get a double buggy to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they might prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your children may not always be comfortable in a stroller and might be tired and irritable during longer trips.

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 sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life easier, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.