You Are Responsible For A Double Buggy From Birth Budget? 12 Tips On How To Spend Your Money
Buying a Double Buggy From Birth
There are many things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy from birth. 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.
A must-have investment for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight, has great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain with ease.
What kind of buggy do you want?
A double buggy is great for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can lie down or sit in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, fold easily and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking that the buggy's maneuverability with the wheels folded and also to get out and into your boot.
The most popular type of double buggy is the side-byside one, which you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. 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 toddlers to pick from. They're generally easy to steer and, if you opt for a model that has soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.
Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. They're typically wider than a side-by-side and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins, a baby and toddler 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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, however they provide plenty of flexibility and have a high resale price. They are easy to steer and come with large storage bins. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.
Do you have twins?
Whether your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits above the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to fit through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.
Do compact double stroller have a toddler?
A younger sibling can feel like an enormous responsibility initially, particularly when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy may help them to feel included if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with a sense of pride as they become a "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their role.
Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins as they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be hefty and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that opens 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 active families who like to explore. This innovative buggy starts off as a single pushchair and it can then be converted into a double, taking an additional seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.
Do you require a system of travel for your business?
Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't necessary for every family. You could use one stroller and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that allow your child and you to be able to travel on their backs, or in front.
There are three types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats next to each other, which means your children can see each one another. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option that has one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However they can be quite heavy and lengthy to push.
Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by securing an infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until he/she is able to climb into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good illustration - it could be used with twins as well as a toddler and a baby or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.
When your children get older and more capable to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them on cycling trips or other day trips in which they prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they might not always prefer to ride in a buggy and can easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.
Before you decide to purchase a double buggy at the time of birth, take some time to think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make your life simpler, especially when you have to navigate through busy streets or busy malls.