How To Explain Double Buggy From Birth To Your Grandparents
Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy from birth. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.
A must-have purchase for active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can handle difficult terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy would you like?
double running buggy buggys are ideal for transporting two children at a time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold up easily and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you travel a significant deal, it's important to check that the buggy can be easily pushed around by folding the wheels into your car boot and removed.
You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one 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, including 'cinema seats'. They're usually easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model with a soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.
Tandem buggies are another popular choice as they're typically more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is located behind the first rather than on top. They're typically bigger than a side-byside and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three children 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 are generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a high return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, have large storage bins and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema seats'.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double travel buggy buggy is the best option to transport them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child sits over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to fit through doors. Tandems are typically more spacious overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.
Do you have a baby?
At beginning having a younger sibling could feel like a lot of responsibility, particularly if you're also caring for the infant. They may be a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier while you push the older one to the side, so having a double buggy from the start can make things easier. It can also provide your child with the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their role.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered to be the best twin stroller choice for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE Double stroller for newborn Twins from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.
We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who are keen to explore. This clever buggy can start as a single pushchair and can be converted into a double, taking the place of a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.
Do you need a travel system?
Double buggies are ideal for bringing your kids around in comfort but they're not essential for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children, you may be able to make do with a single stroller and 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 or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats that are next to each other, so your children will be able to see each other. However, they tend to be wider than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are small that has one seat at the front and a back seat. However, they can be heavy and long to push.
Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they let you convert your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This allows you to keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent illustration - it could be used with twins or a toddler, an infant, or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.
As your children grow older and more capable to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them to cycling trips or other day trips in which they prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they might not always desire to be in a buggy and could easily be tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.
Before you invest in a double stroller, think about the factors mentioned above and your family's unique situation. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life simpler, especially when you have to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.