Face forward
The Parade Duo tandem stroller from Cosatto is designed to carry two children of different ages, both facing forward. The rear seat is elevated and has a three-position backrest, making it suitable for a newborn baby, and there is a removable footmuff for this seat. The front seat, which is intended for slightly older children, has an integral play tray and drinks holder. This buggy comes in 'Quadretti Blue', is wipe clean and includes a five-point harness, a large shopping basket, an observation window, a PVC raincover and reflectors. The Parade Duo has front-lockable, self-aligning swivel wheels with suspension and will 'free stand' when folded.
Measurements are 99(h) x 60(w) x 34(d)cm, when folded, priced Pounds 149.99.
* Telephone 0800 0852628
Multichoice
When you purchase the Duette Chassis from Mamas & Papas, you buy the chassis separately and then choose the component parts you need. The chassis will accommodate two carrycot-style units facing each other, two car seats both facing the push bar, a back-to-back seat unit and car seat, or one carry cot and one seat unit facing the push bar. The Duette Chassis includes lockable front swivel wheels and independent suspension on all the wheels, a 'one click' fitting system for the component parts, a secondary locking device for the babies' security and a large, fitted net basket. The livery is silver/ charcoal or silver/navy and the frame is corrosion-resistant aluminium. The Chassis measures 93(h) x 34(w)cm, when folded. There are four different styles to choose from. The top of the range Allegra features a carry cot and a seat unit with apron, priced 489.98, including the chassis, or 569.99 with a car seat as well. The 'sporty' Ultima comes with a carrycot, a seat unit and apron, priced 489.98, including chassis, and 494.99 with a car seat.
The 'contemporary' Giovanne is priced 404.98 for the carry cot and seat unit with apron, and 484.99 with the car seat as well. The Converse comes with two seat units (which can be fitted to lie flat for new-borns) and a car seat for 689.99. Additional seat units, car seats and carrycots can be purchased separately.
* Telephone 01484 438222
Traditional
There can't be many childcarers who haven't pushed a Maclaren Traveller, but now this twin buggy has been redesigned to have a 'sporty new look'. As before, the seats are individually operated with five positions and the leg rests are adjustable, which means the buggy is suitable from birth. The hood has two storage pockets and two observation windows, and two removable shopping baskets and a double rain cover are also included.
The buggy comes in a choice of livery - electric or silver, and both have reflective bindings. The wheels are lockable and have 4.5in tyres, priced 199.99.
* Telephone 01327 841320
Budget buy
The Babies 'R' Us Bruin Twin Sprinter is the company's 'own brand' double buggy and this comes complete with two hoods, a double rain cover and two mesh shopping baskets. The buggy has lockable, swivel wheels with suspension and three seat positions. Suitable from birth, the Twin Sprinter measures 106 x 46 x 27cm when folded, and is priced 99.99.
* Telephone 0845 7869778
More than two
Gordons Production Services specialises in bigger buggies such as The Quad Pushchair, a tandem style that is used in many nurseries. On this buggy, the rear seats lie flat when required, and the front seats recline to approximately 45c. The Quad comes with five-point shoulder harnesses, lockable swivel wheels, single break locks on all rear wheels, padded liners, a shopping basket, and fabric hoods and rain aprons. The Quad is designed to fold and store away easily, and comes in navy with sky blue trim and seat panels. It is priced 625, including delivery. The G2 Deluxe is a triple buggy that can also be converted to a twin by unclipping the fasteners on the front and rear legs. The G2 Deluxe is slightly wider than an average front door, but is small enough to fold and fit into the boots of most vehicles. When the buggy is converted into a twin model it is 29.5in wide and will fit through standard doorways. The G2 Deluxe is available as a standard triple buggy, priced 585, or Pounds 650 for the convertible triple to twin model. An all-in-one rain hood is priced 69, matching padded foot muffs 39 each and a set of sun canopies in white is priced 65. A new lightweight triple buggy, the B10 is also available. This has a folded size of 23 x 8 x 46in and is 43in wide when open. The B10 has a steel frame and is priced 295, including delivery.
* Telephone 0161 740 9979
SAFE TRANSPORTATION
* Buggies must conform to BS 7409
* If you purchase separate harnesses to use in buggies they should also conform to British Standards.
* A harness must be used as soon as the baby can sit up.
* Conduct regular maintenance checks on all buggies - check brakes and harnesses; look for signs of wear and tear in the folding mechanism and framework and wash down seats with diluted disinfectant.
* Never carry baby equipment or shopping on the back of the buggy - it can weaken the buggy's structure and/or it may tip up while the child is in it.
