To double buggy, or not?

[Daisychain12]

Our second baby is due at the end of the year, DS will be 25 months.

Just thinking ahead, and trying to figure out if I need to get a double buggy or not? I've seen so many people with a pram plus a ride-along seat/ buggy board for their toddler, and I don't know which will be the best set up for us, considering his age. I don't want to spend out on a nice double buggy, only for DS to not want to use it a few months down the line - I'll kick myself!

.....Or, is a double buggy a lifesaver when out and about with a 2 year old and a baby? Help me, toddler parents x

Hi OP, I’m pregnant with number 2 and my daughter will be 3 by the time I’m due so no direct experience. I just wanted to say though since turning 2 my child doesn’t get in the buggy (uses maximum 4 times in a year)-we do have a car though so no public transport required. Depends what kind of child you have- I would opt for a buggy board before laying out for a double
buggy.

Just buy second hand or a cheap one. I had 2 under 2 and had a double and got a tandem that was brilliant. There's no better feeling than when they're both playing up, you strap them both in, go for a walk, and they both fall asleep. It is wonderful! Obviously i had a single too.

@OnlyFoolsnMothers hmm food for thought, thank you! He's an active little one that's for sure. He's ok in the buggy for short bursts of time but definitely walking with us, or on his push scooter more frequently as he gets older.

@Sameold2020 ahh good thinking, I hadn't thought of that.

The feeling when one falls asleep in the buggy post show-off is the best, so I can only imagine it x2! haha

I have a 3yo and a 10 week old. I bought a good condition second hand buggy and don't regret it. We walk most places and get out every day so having the option of taking a double out has been a lifesaver. 3yo mostly walks/bikes but if I'm planning to be out all day or over her nap time then it's great to be able to pop her in and have both of them nap while I walk. There have also been a few times when it's been pouring down and I can keep both kids dry but still get out for fresh air, a walk, or get errands done. I don't use it every day and still take out the single and often juggle the 10week old between single buggy and wrap depending on how he is on the day. It's also amazing when they both end up asleep at the same and I can take a breather with no baby attached!

Also if you have a buggy board check you can still lay the seat down with it attached and older kid on board. I have a couple of friends who have had an issue with this but could just the make/model of buggy they have.

Agree to get one second hand. They're really handy unless you don't walk places much, or your older child is incredibly compliant/can walk long distances.

My eldest was 2y9months when my second was born. We used a buggy board until she fell asleep standing up then bought a second hand double city mini jogger and it was a life saver. Huge basket for shopping and I was quite thin from all the walking!

I kept using the buggy for DC1 until he was 3, so I'd say worth it.

Yeah I'd keep eye out for a cheap one. I would say you mostly won't need one and your eldest will either walk or buggy board, but when it's raining or they both want to nap or rest, double will be a lifesaver. I had two very close together and tried lots of doubles. I preferred the ones with hard wheels as I once had a puncture while quite a way from home, wasn't fun.
Best one I had was uppababy vista with a rumble seat, the beauty of it was it is easily converted to a single, with a huge shopping basket, and was so sturdy and easy to push. Massive sunshade in the hood. You can find full set up second hand for less than 100.

I think it depends how much you walk. I walk most places so I never considered not having one. Some distances are just too far for a just 2 year old. And it's so much easier when they throw a tantrum!

I think it's lifestyle and child dependent.
I walk everywhere and had a toddler who slept well during the day and had plenty of occasion to need restraining with straps. A double was essential for me.
SIL drives most places. Rarely goes out on her own with DC, takes her kids for a drive to sleep and has a very compliant two year old so didn't bother.

I had one with 22 month gap that we used for a year. DC1 still napped for over an hour every day all that time and we were out and about all the time so I needed to be able to have two of them asleep together.