14 Businesses Doing A Great Job At Double Buggy From Birth
Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of aspects to consider. 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.
This buggy is essential for active families. It will grow with your family, from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can tackle uneven terrain with ease.
What type of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can be used as prams and come with a reclining mechanism in each seat, so your children can 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 usually light that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into the car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking that the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels as well as to get it in and out of your boot.
You might have seen this type of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They are perfect for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They also come in various seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.
Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. The second seat is located behind the first, rather than on the top. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, so it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby or three children, 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're generally more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and a high resale value. They're generally simple to steer, feature large storage bins and can handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Double buggys are the most efficient way to transport your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children are seated side by side or tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be larger overall. They can also accommodate both seats for toddlers and a carrycot.
Do you have one?
At first, having a younger sibling may feel like a lot of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the baby. They may also feel left out when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older one along, so having a double buggy from birth will make life simpler. It will also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their new role.
Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best 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 expands widthways to take two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as an infant carrier or bassinet.
If you prefer, we suggest an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start off as a single pushchair and can be converted into a double, taking an additional seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it has lots of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.
Do you require an automated travel system for your business?
Double buggies are ideal 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 like baby carriers and toddler straps that allow you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in the front.
There are three different types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats close to each other, meaning that your children will be able to see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller and aren't easy to navigate through kerbs. Tandem buggies are an alternative that is smaller, with a single seat in the front and one in the rear, but they are still large and heavy to push.
Convertible double buggies permit you to convert a single stroller into double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until he or she is ready to move 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 addition of the optional PiggyBack board.
When your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that your children may not always enjoy being in a stroller and could get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.
So, before you decide to invest in a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you take a look at the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double stroller will make life much easier, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.