Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are plenty of factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from birth. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

A must-have investment for families with active children This buggy will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and can handle uneven terrain with ease.

What type of buggy would you like?

A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight twin stroller, fold easily, and small enough to fit in your car's boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and into your car boot.

You might have seen this type of double buggy on other moms strollers or even in one as a child. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins and typically have a large number of seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to choose from. These are usually easy to navigate, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they can easily navigate kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by sides, are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first one, instead of sitting over it. They're usually larger than a side-by-side, and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, an infant or three children with the addition of a buggy board.

Lastly there are the'single-to-double' convertibles which can be used as a single pushchair from birth then convert to a double by attaching a second seat, carrycot or car seat to their clever frame. They're generally more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high resale value. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and can handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child is seated over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seats.

Do you have a child?

Being a parent to a child can feel like an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy may make it easier for them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also give your child an immense sense of pride when they are able to be "big brother or sister" and help them get used to their new role.

Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to have the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with a unique frame that expands in width and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also provides a variety of configuration options including using the second seat to create an infant bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who like to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into a double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough all terrain double buggy, and it has numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies are great for bringing your kids around in comfort however they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You might be able to make do with one stroller, and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that permit your child and you to ride on their backs or in front.

There are three kinds of double Buggy newborn buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are positioned side-by-side, so your children will be able to be able to see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single to double pushchair pushchair and are difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and one in the rear, however they can still be large and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to convert a single to double stroller stroller into a double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until he or she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this - it's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children become older and more able, you can use a double buggy to take them on cycling trips or other day trips where they might prefer walking. But, it's important to remember that they may not always prefer to ride in a buggy and can easily get tired and angry during longer trips.

Before you invest in a double stroller, take into consideration the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make life simpler, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.