Buying a double buggy side by side Buggy From Birth

When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are many things to take into consideration. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

A must-have purchase for active families This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.

What type of buggy would you like?

A double buggy is great for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat has a reclining mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you drive a great deal, it's important to check that the buggy can be easily pushed around with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.

The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-by-side one, which you've probably seen on other mums' pushchairs or even rode in as a child. They are ideal for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have numerous seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to pick from. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you go for a model that has soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular choice as they're typically easier to turn than a side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first instead of sitting over it. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be heavy when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and a baby or three children with the addition of a buggy.

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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-byside buggies, however they provide the flexibility of a single buggie and come with a premium cost of resale. They are easy to steer and have large storage bins. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seat.

Do you have a baby?

At beginning the idea of having a younger sibling can feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also caring for the infant. They might also feel left out when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling ahead and having a double buggy from the start can make things easier. It can also help your child settle into their new role of big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that can be expanded the width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and like to explore. This innovative buggy starts off as an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double by adding the place of a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and has lots of clever features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require a business travel system?

Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children safely. However they aren't necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children you may be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child around on their backs or in front of you.

If you do opt for a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. The two seats are placed parallel to each other, so your children will be able to be able to see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option, with one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and lengthy to push.

Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they allow you to convert your stroller to double buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until he or is able to climb into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children get older and more mobile to walk, you can opt for double buggys to accompany them to bicycle rides or for day trips where they might prefer to walk. It's important to remember that your kids may not always enjoy being in a stroller, and may become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.

Before you invest in a thule Double stroller stroller, think about the factors mentioned above and your family's specific circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double buggy with car seat stroller will make life much easier, especially if you need to travel through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.