Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are a lot of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from birth. We spoke with 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 for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It’s lightweight and movable, and is able to handle uneven terrain with ease.

What kind 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, and they have a reclining mechanism within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. Often they’re lightweight, easy to fold and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you drive a lot it’s important to make sure the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded and to take out and into your car boot.

The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-byside, which you’ve likely seen on other moms pushchairs, or perhaps 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 numerous seating options (including “cinema” seats) for your little ones to pick from. They’re generally easy to steer and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first instead of over it. The seats are usually wider and bulkier than a traditional side by side, so you should check whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins, a baby and toddler 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 are generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and have a great return on investment. They are easy to steer and feature large storage bins. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on boards 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 most efficient way to transport them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child is seated over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also accommodate both a toddler seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a child?

Having a younger sibling can feel like an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the baby. A double buggy can allow them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will 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 role.

Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best option for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy that features an innovative 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 to create an infant bassinet.

Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This clever buggy is a single-pushchair which can be made a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone content.

Do you require a system of travel for your business?

Double buggies are an ideal way to move your children in a comfortable way. However they aren’t required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you may be able to get by with a single stroller and some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child around on their backs or in front of you.

There are three different types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats near each other, so your children will be able to see each one another. These buggies are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to navigate over the kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option that has one seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies are fantastic as they allow you to transform your stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. read what he said allows you to keep your newborn snuggled up safely in their car seat until they’re ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example of this – it can be used with twins or a toddler, an infant, or even three children using the option of a 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. However, it’s worth remembering that they might not always desire to be in a buggy and can easily be tired and disgruntled on longer outings.

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. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can make life much easier, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.