9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Double Buggy From Birth

Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from birth. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

A must-have investment for active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can tackle uneven terrain with ease.

What style of buggy do want?

A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but 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 lie down or sit in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are usually light, fold easily, and compact enough to fit into the car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre using the folded wheels, and to take out and into your car boot.

You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers strollers, or even in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with a large number of seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to pick from. They are usually simple to steer, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they will effortlessly handle the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat sits behind the first instead of sitting on top of it. They're usually larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's essential to make sure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a baby 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 are generally more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies but provide plenty of versatility and a good resale value. They're generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and are able to 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 age groups, a double buggie is the best twin stroller option to transport them around. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children sit together or tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seats.

Do you have a child?

At beginning, having a younger sibling may feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, particularly if you're also taking care of the baby. They might also feel left out if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling to the side and having a double buggy right from the beginning can make everything simpler. It can also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they become a "big brother or sister" and help them get used to their new role.

Side-by-side double stroller with infant car seat buggies are often considered the best double strollers option for twins since they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be hefty and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with a unique frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also comes with a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat for an infant bassinet.

Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair that can be transformed into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has lots of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.

Do you require an effective travel system for your business?

Double buggies are excellent for bringing your kids around in comfort, but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You might be able to make do with a single stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit you and your child to travel on their backs or in the front.

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

Convertible double buggies are great because they let you convert your stroller to a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This will allow you to keep your baby safely in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great illustration - it could be used for twins or a toddler, one or more children using the optional PiggyBack Board.

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

Before you purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors mentioned above and your family's specific circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double buggy converts to single stroller can make life much easier particularly if you have to navigate through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.