Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When choosing the perfect double car seat stroller buggy, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her tips on everything from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.

A must-have investment for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain easily.

What style of buggy do you want?

Double buggys are great for transporting up to two children at a time even if they're not of the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They are usually light that folds easily and are small enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded and also to get out and back into your car boot.

You might have seen this type of double buggy on other moms' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. They are perfect for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating options, including 'cinema seats'. They're usually pretty easy to drive and, if you opt for a model that has soft suspension, make light work of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are another popular choice as they're typically more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first rather than on top. They're typically bigger than a side-byside and can be a bit 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 or a toddler and a baby or three children with the inclusion 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a very high cost of resale. They're generally easy to steer, have a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models even come with a built-in ride-on board and "cinema seating" for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be smaller in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally more spacious overall. They can also accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have children?

A younger sibling can feel like quite an overwhelming responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the baby. They may be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older one ahead, so having a double buggy from birth can make things simpler. It will also provide your child with a sense of pride as they get to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their role.

The side-by-side double buggies could be a great option for twins, since both children will share the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that can be expanded in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

Alternatively, we recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This innovative buggy starts as an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double, taking an additional seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require a traveling system?

Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children you may be able to get by using a single stroller with certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child on their backs or in front of you.

If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side by side as well as convertible. The two seats are set parallel to each other, so your children will be able to see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to navigate over kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an easier way to travel 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 permit you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by securing the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great illustration of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day excursions where they prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they might not always desire to be in a buggy and could easily become disgruntled and tired during longer trips.

Before you decide to purchase a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to think about the above points and the particular circumstances of your family. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can simplify your life, especially if you need to navigate busy streets or bustling shopping centres.