Two-year age gap - do I need a double buggy?

[Minty82]

DC2 is due in April, a month after DD turns two. She'll presumably still need the buggy pretty regularly for another year or so, so a buggy board for our current buggy doesn't seem like it would work as we walk a lot and she'll need to sit down sometimes…

Alternative that some friends have managed is to have the baby in a sling all the time and the older child in the buggy, but surely sometimes you just need to strap them both into something so you can gather nappy bags, snacks etc and actually leave the house with everything you need?

A double buggy seems like the most practical option, but they're so big! And so expensive! Just wondering how other people have managed with the same gap?

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Hi,

This thread is a little old and some of the product recommendations are out of date. We recently tested the UK's top double buggies, you can read our reviews of the best double buggies here. Or, if you're considering using a sling for your LO, you might be interested in taking a look at our top slings and baby carrier reviews here.

MNHQ

I have 2.4 years between my two and 3 slings used daily. There is no way on this earth I would be without my double buggy. There are just certain situations where I need both children contained and room to carry stuff as well.

My buggy has an integral board and the option to fit a second seat for long days too.

We've bought a second hand baby jogger double and we will have a 2.2yr age gap. I know people who have done without but I didn't think it was worth the stress! I wouldn't have bought brand new as DS is unlikely to want to go in after 1 more year so second hand seemed more reasonable. I picked mine up for £130 excellent condition from preloved

A sling or carrier is great - very helpful if your going to take your toddler to a group or class for example. However, I keep my carrier under the carriage of the double stroller and take my stroller pretty much everywhere because:

a) my toddler gets tired if we are out for a long time
b) sometimes I just want to contain my toddler with a snack while in a store etc
c) I will put my toddler in the stroller if he is misbehaving and the one time I was caught out with only my carrier and a flailing tantruming toddler felt very unsafe for the baby stuck on my chest TBH.
d) I personally find it backbreaking to have my 10 month old on my chest while herding my toddler around TBH. The baby blocks my vision of him impedes my flexibility and makes it a PITA sometimes.

My vote is have both a double stroller and sling handy whenever you are out.

21 month age gap. I bought a P&T double second hand but largely carry dc2 in a carrier, and use the double if it's raining outside as it's easier to transport them both plus rain cover.

I had one (britax b duel) Sold it when ds3 was 2.4 and the baby was 5 months. It was a pain so I bought a second hand p&t a few months later and I love it

I had a 2y, 2month age gap with mine, and I did the double pram or buggy board? In the end we got a Philip and teds sport, definately was a godsend, I'd've regretted a buggy board, and I'm even a baby wearer too!

If you do go for a Philip and teds, I've a fantastic condition apple double bit you can have still using the pram!

Phil and teds!! Why don't I read my posts before I send?!

Philip and Edward's, surely?! Thank you so much all - I think I'm persuaded that it would make life a hell of a lot easier to at least have one. I have a friend who will probably be looking to get rid of hers around the time the baby's due, so I might just ask how much she wants for it!