Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double buggy right from the time of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her advice on everything ranging from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.

This buggy is a must-have for active families. It will grow with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It is light and movable, and can handle uneven terrain easily.

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 be used as prams, and they have recline mechanisms in each seat so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy's ease of use with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and into your boot.

The most compact double stroller popular type of double buggy is the side-by-side one, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with many seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to choose from. These are usually easy to steer, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they are able to effortlessly handle the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are also a popular choice as they're typically easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is located behind the first and not on the top. They're typically larger than a side-by-side, and can be heavy when folded, so it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, an infant or three children, with the addition 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 generally more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a high price for resales. They are easy to steer and have a large storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the best method to transport your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two primary kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children sit in a row, side-by-side and tandem buggies in which one child is placed above the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a baby?

A younger sibling can feel like quite a big responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the infant. A double buggy can help them to feel included if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will aid your child in settling into their new role of big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best twin stroller option for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be hefty and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides different configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

We also recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This clever buggy can start as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double by adding the place of a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone content.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies are an ideal way to move your children in comfort. However, they are not necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children you might be able to do with a single stroller and some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child around on their backs or in front of you.

There are three different types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are positioned parallel to each other, so your children can be able to see each other. They are larger than a single stroller, and aren't easy to navigate around the kerbs. Tandem buggies provide a more compact alternative, with one seat in the front and another in the rear, but they can still be heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your newborn snuggled up in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your children may not always be comfortable in a stroller and might be tired and irritable when they are on longer excursions.

Before you decide to purchase a double stroller from the beginning make sure you think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify your life especially if you need to travel through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.