9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Double Buggy From Birth
Buying a double buggy from birth (Read Far more)
There are a lot 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 investment for families with active children This buggy will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It is light, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.
What kind of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams. Each seat has a reclining mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded and to take out and back into your boot.
The most popular type of double buggy is the side by side that you've probably seen on other mothers' pushchairs or even rode in as a child. They are perfect for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They also come in a variety of seating configurations and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They're generally easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. 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 to transport twins, a toddler, three children with the addition of a buggy board.
Lastly there are the'single-to-double strollers' 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 or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the best method to transport your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two primary types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies where your children are seated side by side or tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are typically more spacious overall. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do you have a child?
At first the idea of having a younger sibling could feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. A double push chair buggy may help them to feel included if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also help your child settle into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.
The side-by-side double jogging stroller buggies could be a great choice for twins since both children will share the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different 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 buggy is clever and can start off as an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double, which can include 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 has lots of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require a traveling system?
Double buggies are ideal to transport your children around in comfort however they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You could use one stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler straps that permit you and your child to ride on their backs or in the front.
If you do opt for a double buggy, there are three types to pick from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats positioned near each other, so your children can see each other. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and one in the rear, but they are still long and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to transform one stroller into double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until he/she is able to climb 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 children with the the optional PiggyBack board.
If your children have grown older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they'd prefer to walk. But, it's important to remember that they might not always desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily become disgruntled and tired during longer trips.
Before you invest in a double stroller, consider the above factors and your family's unique situation. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life easier, particularly when you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.