A Relevant Rant About Double Buggy From Birth

Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are a lot 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.

A must-have for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight and movable, and is able to handle uneven terrain easily.

What style of buggy do you prefer?

Double buggys are ideal for transporting up to two children at once, even if they are not of the same age. They can also function as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can lie down or sit n stand double stroller in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They are usually light, fold easily, and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a great amount, it's essential to check that the buggy can be easily moved by folding the wheels into your boot and taken out.

The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-byside, which you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child yourself. They're ideal for twins who are older or who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating options and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. These are usually easy to steer, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they can effortlessly handle the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on the top. The seats are typically bigger and bulkier than a side by side, so you should check whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a baby or three children with the inclusion 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, but they offer a lot of flexibility and come with a premium resale price. They are easy to steer and come with an ample storage basket. They can also 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 of different ages, a double buggy is the best option to move them around. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children sit in a row, side-by-side and tandem buggies in which one baby is above the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems tend to be larger overall. They can also accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a child?

Having a younger sibling can feel like quite an overwhelming responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the baby. They may also feel left out if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling ahead and having a double buggy from the start can make everything simpler. It will also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them get used to their role.

Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best double strollers option for twins because they allow both children to have the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides different configuration options, including the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy double strollers Trailblazer to families who are active and love to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair which can be made double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You may be able make do with a single stroller, and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in front.

If you do opt for a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side-by-side as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats that are close to each other, meaning that your children can see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair, and are difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they are still heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to convert a single stroller into double pushchair from birth buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your child in the car seat until he/she is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can be used for twins as well as a toddler and a baby or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.

As your children grow older and more mobile, you can use a double buggy to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions in which they prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they might not always prefer to ride in a buggy, and they could easily get tired and angry on longer outings.

Before you purchase a double stroller, consider the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life easier, especially when you have to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.