Double buggy to accommodate a 4 yr old

[UnderClaws]

Realistically DD with SEN aged 4 is not leaving the buggy for a while, I also have a 14 months old. The little one is disliking the lower seat/ not fitting well on my sport and pushing it is doing my hip no favours with the side to side weight now on the front wheel to control (one wheel at front).

Has anyone had a similar issue and found a solution, I'd like it to be public transport friendly ideally. I'm wondering if a basic maclaren double is the way forward, or if the little wheels will be hard work.

I would think the wheels would struggle, but I'm not speaking from experience.

We had a babyjogger city mini double and the seats on them are big. DD, 4, fitted comfortably when it took it on holiday with us. They're actually slim enough to fit through standard doorways, too.

I'm in the exact same position as you. My DS1 is 3 and DS2 is 5 months. We're currently using the bugaboo donkey in duo more. It's absolutely fantastic. However, due to DS's SEN when he stims, he rocks and it's starting to break his side of the pram. Currently looking on getting a Maclaren Elite SEN buggy, there's just nothing else that accommodates the weight for long journeys
For short distances, will still be using the bugaboo donkey, as he fits it in perfectly and can manage short distances without much distress

I would say you need a side by side with 4 large wheels. Small wheels terrible with higher weight load

Mountain buggy duet - can convert to single later
TFK twin
Bumbleride twin
Musty 4rider with duo seat (second hand only now) - good for bus
Baby jogger elite

Another option is can you get a good sling for your 14 month old to go on your back? Like toddler Tula, boba 4g, manduca, ergo etc. Then carry youngest and elder in a single with four large wheels. In a few months can start youngest on a buggy board with seat and sling combo

I have a good sling but we're out and about a lot and I find it too much to carry and push for hours. Also on transport I feel too unbalanced if I need to manage steps etc.

I think side by side is the route, but not sure which.

I'll look up some of those suggestions thank you

You will struggle with a Maclaren - definitely.
Equally for a 4 year old, you really need a bigger pushchair otherwise you have no longevity of use. I think the best two pushchairs, I would recommend would be the TFK Joggster Twist with Buddy seat - it has an enormous top seat, and a big seat with lots of leg room underneath; or the Phil&Teds Dash which has a big upper seat. The TFK Twinner Twist Duo would give you the seat size too whilst still being a fairly neat side by side. If you didn't use public transport, then I would say to find an Old Baby Jogger Elite. It isn't impossible to use on public transport (same width as the other Baby Jogger side by sides) but it feels big.

We have a 4 yo with SN and a 22 month old.

I have a P&T Navigator. DD1 does still fit in the front seat but like you, DD2 started to get bored in the back seat and refused to go in or would kick the back of DD1. Now we only use it as a single.

Sometimes we have DD1 in the single buggy and DD2 on the buggyboard - this is an option that may open up for you in a few months time once your DC2 can use a buggyboard reliably?

We have borrowed an Out n about nipper double and it's been really good. Incredibly easy to push, almost pushes itself! DD1 is 4.3 and still fits in it, including for napping. She is quite slim hipped though, a 4 year old with chunkier hips/bottom might find it tight. Buses would be ok if fairly empty, I wouldn't want to get on a packed bus with it (or any side by side).

It is 3 wheeled however so may cause you the hip issue I guess? If you want 4 wheeled the city mini GT double or mountain buggy duet could be good.

You could look at the new Uppababy G Link which is umbrella fold but more robust looking than a maclaren. Pricey though and not sure of weight limit.

I agree you want big wheels.

I've seen a micralite twofold.... I'm wondering if it may be easier than a normal buggy board. Ive been averaged 3km a day walkin this week I've tracked on my phone, some rough ground. I find the buggboards are crap for this, ok more for popping out.