9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Double Buggy From Birth

Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many things to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the moment of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her suggestions 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 toddlers to twins. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.

What style of buggy do you prefer?

Double buggys are ideal for transporting two children at the same time even if they're not the same age. They can also serve as prams, and they have a reclining mechanism within each seat, allowing your children can lie down in different positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy's maneuverability using the folded wheels, as well as to get it in and out of your car boot.

The most common type of double buggy is the side-byside one, which you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. They are ideal for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins and typically have many seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to pick from. They're generally easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, you can 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 rather than on the top. They're usually wider than a side-by-side and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, three children by 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 or side-byside buggies, however they provide the flexibility of a single buggie and a very high selling price. They're generally simple to steer, feature an enormous storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and 'cinema seating' for your older child.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children sit side by side or tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side by side double stroller-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be more spacious overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seats.

Do you have one?

At first having a younger sibling could feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the infant. They might be a bit irritated when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling ahead, so having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life simpler. It can also give your child an immense sense of pride when they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them get used to their new role.

Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best double stroller option for twins since they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.

Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This nifty buggy is a single-pushchair double that can be converted into double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in comfort. However, they are not necessary for every family. You might be able to use one stroller and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow your child and you to travel on their backs or in the front.

If you do opt for a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side-by-side as well as convertible. The two seats are set in a row, so that your children will be able to be able to see each other. They are larger than a single stroller and may be difficult to navigate around the kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact, with one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies are fantastic as they allow you to transform your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great illustration of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they might prefer to walk. It's important to remember that your kids may not always enjoy being in a stroller and might be tired and irritable when they are on longer excursions.

So, before you make the decision to buy a double stroller from the beginning, take some time to think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make life simpler, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.