Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

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

This buggy is essential for active families. It will grow with your family, from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight and movable, and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.

What type of buggy would you prefer?

Double buggys are perfect for transporting two children at a time, even if they are not the same age. They can also be used as prams and have recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can lay down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a great deal, it's important to check that the buggy can be easily maneuvered by folding the wheels into your boot and taken out.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers strollers or even in one as a child. They are ideal for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with many seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to choose from. They're generally easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by sides, are also popular. This is because the second seat is placed behind the first instead of on top of it. The seats are usually larger and heavier than a side-by-side and you must ensure whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby or three children, with the addition of an additional 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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and have a high resale price. They are easy to steer and have large storage bins. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on board 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 best way to move them around. There are two main types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies where your children sit side by side and tandem buggies in which one child is placed above the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate both a toddler seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a child?

Having a younger sibling can feel like quite an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the infant. They might be feeling a little secluded when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling to the side, so having a double buggy from the start can make everything simpler. It can also provide your child with the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they become a "big brother or sister" and help them get used to their role.

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

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who like to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair that can be transformed into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough all terrain double stroller and has lots of clever features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies are great for transporting your children around in comfort however they're not a necessary purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you may be able to do with a single stroller and some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child around on their back or in front of you.

There are three types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are set parallel to each other, so your children can see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact that has one seat in the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by securing an infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your infant snuggled safely in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good illustration - it could be used with twins as well as a toddler and a baby or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.

When your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that your kids may not always like to be in a stroller double and could get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.

So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to consider the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A solid and reliable double stroller will simplify life, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.