Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the perfect double buggy from the time of birth. 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 purchase for families with active children This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight with great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain with ease.

What type of buggy do want?

A double buggy is great for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams and have recline mechanisms in each seat so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, fold easily, and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you travel a significant deal, it's important to check that the buggy can be easily moved with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other moms' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have numerous seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They are generally easy to steer, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they can easily handle the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are another popular option since they're easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is positioned behind the first and not on the top. They're usually 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, a toddler, 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 buggy with carrycot by attaching a second seat, carrycot or car seat to their clever frame. They're more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, however they provide a lot of flexibility and have a high cost of resale. They are easy to steer and have an ample storage basket. They also have the ability 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 ages, a double buggy is the best option to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children sit in a row, side-by-side and tandem buggies in which one baby is above the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.

Do you have children?

At beginning the idea of having a younger sibling could seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. A double buggy may help children to feel included when you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with a sense of pride as they become a "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their new role.

Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins since they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides different 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 love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start off as a single pushchair but it can then be converted into a double, taking a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require an automated business travel system?

Double buggies are a great way to transport your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. You may be able get by with just one stroller and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that permit you and your child to ride on their backs or in the front.

There are three types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats that are close to each other, which means your children will be able to see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller, and aren't easy to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are small with a seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to convert a single stroller into a double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until he or she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent illustration - it could be used with twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.

Once your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they might prefer walking. But, it's important to remember that they may not want to be in a buggy and can easily get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.

Before you decide to purchase a double stroller from the beginning, take some time to think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller will make life much easier particularly if you have to travel through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.