Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When it comes to choosing the ideal 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, age ranges to folding mechanisms and single To double buggy storage space.

A must-have for active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and movable, and can handle uneven terrain with ease.

What type of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams, and they have the ability to recline in each seat, so your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight they fold easily and are small enough to fit in your car's boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels and also to get out and into your boot.

You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers strollers, or even in one as a kid. They are perfect for twins who are older or who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They are usually simple to control, and if opt for a model with a soft suspension, they can easily navigate the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. The second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on top. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, so it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids with the inclusion of a buggy board.

Lastly there are the'single-to-double' convertibles which can be used as a single to double buggy 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 plenty of flexibility and come with a premium selling price. They are easy to steer and feature an ample storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with an integrated ride-on board that can be used as cinema seating for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two primary types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children are seated side by side, and tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seats.

Do you have a toddler?

At beginning having a younger sibling can seem like a lot of responsibility especially if you're caring for the infant. They may be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older one to the side, so having a double buggy from the start will make life easier. It will also help your child settle into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.

Side-by-side buggies can be a good option for twins, as both children will share the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that opens the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.

We also recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with an individual pushchair, but it can then be converted into a double, taking an additional seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it has lots of clever features that will ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you need a travel system?

double pushchair 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 kids you may be able to do using a single stroller with certain attachments such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child around on their backs or in front of you.

If you do opt for single To double buggy a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats positioned near each other, meaning that your children will be able see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to navigate over the kerbs. Tandem buggies offer a more compact alternative, with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they can be still quite heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they let you convert your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This way, you can keep your newborn snuggled up comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to grow double stroller to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example - it can be used for twins or a toddler, one or more children with the optional PiggyBack Board.

When your children get older and more able to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them to cycling trips or other day trips in which they prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they may not desire to be in a buggy and could easily become disgruntled and tired during longer trips.

Before you decide to purchase a double stroller from the beginning be sure to take a look at the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life easier, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or busy malls.