Do I need a double buggy?

[lexi73]

Am expecting dc2 in November when ds will be 20 months but haven't a clue whether I need to splash out on a double buggy, whether a sling and current buggy will suffice or what other options there might be? Anyone been in the same position? Would love some advice on this before I go spending.....

Im due in november too, and DD2 will be 2.1yrs.

I am getting a double buggy, because i cant expect her to walk all the time, and for days out she will still need a nap.

Double buggys have a good resale value so wouldnt be a complete waste.

I say yes, essential.

there are 21 months between DS1 and DS2 and I had a double buggy. I used it lots for about 8 months, and then sporadically for another 2. I'd say it's probably worth looking 2nd hand. I am so glad I bouight one in the end I must admit

Also, be careful of the side by siode jobbies because when you have 2 of different ages, the wieght is unevenly distyributed and thy are a bugger to steer.

I'd sell you mine, but a) it's a side by side one and b) it's broken!

Thanks - which one did you buy?

JARM

Do you know which you are going for?

Get the Out n About Nipper - it's brill!

I bought a cheapo one from kiddicare. It was BabyDan Reykjavik. It was great at first when they were both still quite msall but became nightmareish after a while

The Nipper does look good and it isn't too heavy either - did you use it with a newborn?

I regretted not getting one when I had ds2. There's a 27 mo age gap.

Although ds1 could walk, he was never interested in going very fast or far. It was winter and I got cold standing around waiting for him. In the end it meant I used the car for trips where I usually walked.

Now expecting ds3 and have ordered a graco duosport for £75 + £20 postage off e-bay. Haven't got it yet but thought the price was good for new.

I have a 25 month age gap between dd1 and dd2, and I def need a double buggy, dd1 is more than capable of walking, but sadly shes also more than capable of running, hiding ect
I have the cosatto duet lite, its a bit of a beast to push, but I wouldnt be without it just yet, dd1 is now 2.4 and dd2 is 3 months and its just so much easier if they are both in the buggy.

Yes, get a double. For tiredness at first, then for crowd control, then for shopping in one seat with baby in the other I used the p&t till ds1 was about 2.8 I think, then used it for shopping in the back seat. And I'm not selling, just incase I have other people's kids with me!

Lexi, yes you DO need a double buggy! I had 22 months between my 2 and I couldn't have managed without one. I still use it virtually every day now and dd is nearly 6 months old.

Go to a big branch of Mothercare or a dept store and try them out. You have to try them to really understand how different they are when it comes to getting round corners or up on kerbs. You will have to decide between a side-by-side or a tandem and although there are pros and cons, a tandem works best for me because we can still get through shop doorways.

I have a 19m gap between mine and I definitely needed the double buggy. DS1 could walk pretty well but he could also run off. I also used to walk alot, quite long distances and they would both sleep in the buggy.

I had a pretty basic Graco one which was fine

Yes, I used the Nipper with a newborn and a 2 year old - really light and easy to push, and not too wide. I loved it so much, I now have the single version.

DS1 was 2 years and 4 months when DD was born so I got a double buggy and a sling. Buggy went back as the rain cover didn't cover their feet and I din't bother getting another. Used a buggy board and DS1 went on that. I have since had another child and for a while DS1 walked, DD was in the buggy and DS2 was in the sling.

Also, watch out for tandem buggies. The older child goes in frot so all the weight is there when you are trying to get them up on to the kerb.

Excellent guys - thanks for all the advice - I will definitely be getting a double buggy . Now I've got to decide which one.....

Not the Bruin one from Toys R Us....

Just for an alternative POV, there are 19m between my dses and I have never felt I needed a double buggy for them. When ds2 was born I kept him in the sling and ds2 walked or went in the stroller. ds2 at nearly 6m is starting to get too big for the sling and will either be in the backpack, or the stroller for distances that ds1 is happy to walk for. Horses for courses I guess.

i think im getting the jane powertwin, or the double nipper... havent quite decided!

You won't need it for that many months though, can't you borrow one for a short period. I did this when dd2 was born (25 month gap), from a friend who did childminding. Gave it back with a thank you present once we didn't need it any more.

I have got 14 months between my first two and I definately needed double buggy - my friend has 20 months between hers and she also felt that she definately needed one. Our youngest ones are now 17 months and we are both still using doubles (although I have been through a few!!!). First I had Phil & Ted Buggy which was excellent to steer but there is nowhere for shopping so sold it and got a Marco Sky - when second child was small she got frustrated because she couldnt see out properly. This was also quite long when folded to fit in the car. Then I ended up with a side by side one which is difficult to manouevre and bulky to get round the shops but I think with any buggy that has 2 kids in it you are gonna have some mobility problems Hope some of this helps!!

Another vote for 'yes, definitely'. There are 2.5 years between DD1 and DD2 two, but the second was a winter baby and I found it really useful to have a double buggy in the rain, cold etc and also when DD1 was playing up, running off or whinging that she was tired. It did make her quite lazy, but now that she's 4 she can definitely walk. Also useful for strapping friend's kids in when they are tired, carrying shopping, picnics etc and now that DD3 is accidentally on the way we'll certainly get our money's worth. Our buggy is the Nipper double, adn it's really light and manoeuvrable (sp?!)even though it's the old model which doesn't have the front swivel wheel. And it fits through our normal-sized front door.

I had 26mths between ds and dd1 and I got a second hand marco sky which I used for about 2mths. After that I used it on a couple of days out before finding out I was pg again with DD2 so decided Ds had to learn to walk.

Also my top choice having had marco sky, side by side and a phil and teds and trying out a powertwin would always be a p+t. I love mine, easy to push one handed if toddler wants to walk[Dd1 pops in and out the seat constantly and she is 19mths]. Being only single width dont have problems getting in and out shops, lifts, the house!! I love it.

after reading this thread im tempted to buy p&t`s. just found out local nursery will do the new sport one for 385, it will come with cocoon,extra seat with raincover for two. is it god deal? i have know idea.