9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Double Buggy From Birth

Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are a lot of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her advice on everything ranging from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.

A must-have for families with active children This buggy will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight double stroller and movable, and is able to handle uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams and come with a reclining mechanism in each seat, so your children can sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and small enough to fit into your car boot. If you travel a significant amount, you should make sure that the buggy be easily moved with the folded wheels in your car boot, and then removed.

You might have seen this type of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings who want to keep up with you, or for twins and typically have many seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to pick from. These are usually easy to steer, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they will easily navigate kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first, instead of sitting on top of it. The seats are typically bigger and bulkier than a traditional side by side and you must ensure whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, an infant or three children, with the addition of an additional 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 more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, however they provide a lot of flexibility and come with a premium cost of resale. They're generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and are able to handle 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 of different age groups, a double buggy is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.

Do you have a child?

At first having a younger sibling could feel like a lot of responsibility particularly if you're also taking care of the baby. They might be a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older one ahead and having a double buggy right from the beginning can make things easier. It can also help your child settle into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.

Side-by-side buggies can be a great option for twins, as both children will have the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE double jogging stroller by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded in width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, such as using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who are keen to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with a single pushchair but is then convertible into a double, which can include an additional seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it comes with a variety of clever features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require a traveling system?

Double buggies are ideal for bringing your kids around in comfort, but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you may be able to get by using a single stroller with some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child on their back or in front of you.

If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats that are close to each other, meaning that your children will be able to see each other. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair, and are difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are small with a seat at the front and a second one at the back. However, they can be heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to transform a single twin stroller into double buggy converts to single buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until is able to climb up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three children with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.

If your children have grown older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your children might not always be comfortable in a stroller and might get tired and angry during longer trips.

Before you invest in a double stroller, consider the factors mentioned above and your family's unique circumstances. A solid and reliable double stroller can make life much easier especially if you need to navigate busy streets or bustling shopping centres.