Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the moment of birth. We spoke with 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 a must-have for active families. It will grow with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It is lightweight and movable, and can handle uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy do want?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can lie down or sit in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They’re usually lightweight that folds easily and are small enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a great deal, it’s important to check that the buggy can be easily pushed around with the folded wheels in your car boot, and then removed.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers’ strollers double strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins and typically have a large number of seating configurations (including ‘cinema’ seats) for your little ones to choose from. They are generally easy to navigate, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they can easily handle 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 top. They’re typically wider than a side-by-side and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why it’s essential to make sure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three kids with the inclusion 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 tend to be more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of versatility and a good price for resales. They’re generally simple to steer, feature a huge storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your older child.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the best option to move them around. There are two types of double buggy – side-by-side buggies where your children are seated together, and tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a child?

Having a younger sibling can be a big responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. They may be a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling to the side, so having a double buggy from birth will make life simpler. It can also give your child an immense sense of pride when they get to be ‘big brother or sister’ and help them get used to their role.

Side-by-side buggies can be a great choice for twins, since both children will share the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with car seat buggy with a unique frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also comes with a variety of configuration options including using the second seat for an infant bassinet.

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

Do you require a system of travel for your business?

Double buggies can be an excellent way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren’t necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children you may be able to make do with just a single stroller and certain attachments such as 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 running stroller buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats positioned close to each other, which means your children will be able to see each one another. They are wider than a single stroller and can be difficult to navigate over the kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact, with one seat in the front and a back seat. However they can be heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to transform a single stroller into double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your baby comfortably in their car seat until they’re ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good illustration – it could be used with twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.

If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they might prefer walking. It’s important to remember that your children may not always enjoy being in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.

Before you decide to purchase a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you consider the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. A solid and reliable double stroller with bassinet stroller will make life much easier, especially if you need to navigate busy streets or crowded shopping centres.