Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

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

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

What type of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams and come with a reclining mechanism within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, fold easily, and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking that the buggy's maneuverability using the folded wheels, and to take out and back into your boot.

The most well-known type of double buggy is the side by side, which you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs and prams, or perhaps ridden in as a child. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins and typically have a large number of seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to pick from. They are generally easy to navigate, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they will easily navigate the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option since they're easier to turn than side-by-side. 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 important to check they'll 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 pushchair from birth then convert to a double by attaching a second seat, carrycot or car seat to their clever frame. They tend to be more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and a high return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and can handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your older child.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the best way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.

Do you have a toddler?

At first, having a younger sibling may feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also caring for the infant. A double buggy can help children to feel included when you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also give your child a sense of pride as they become a 'big brother or sister' and Pushchairs And Prams help them adjust to their new role.

Side-by-side buggies can be a great option for twins, as both children will share the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also provides a variety of configuration options, including the second seat as the bassinet.

We also recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start as an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double by adding the place of a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it comes with a variety of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.

Do you require a system of travel for your business?

Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You might be able to use a single stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that permit you and your child to travel on their backs or in the front.

There are three different types of GYMAX Double Seat Stroller: Adjustable Push Handle Pram buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are placed parallel to each other, so your children can see each other. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair and can be tricky to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are an easier way to travel with a single seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can still be large and heavy 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. You can keep your child in the car seat until he or is able to climb up into the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example - it can be used for twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.

Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer to walk. It is important to keep in mind that your kids may not always enjoy being in a stroller, and may be tired and irritable during longer trips.

Before you invest in a double stroller, consider the factors mentioned above and your family's specific circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy can make life easier, particularly when you have to navigate busy streets or busy malls.