Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the time of birth. We spoke with 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 purchase for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can handle difficult terrain with ease.

What kind of buggy do want?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also serve as prams, and they have recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and small enough to fit into the car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking that the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with 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 that you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child yourself. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with numerous seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to choose from. They're generally easy to drive and, if you go for a model with a soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by sides, are also popular. The second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on the top. The seats are generally larger and heavier than a side-by-side, so you should check whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a baby and toddler or three kids with the addition of a buggy.

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 price for resales. They're generally easy to steer, have an enormous storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings of different ages, 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 sit side by side or tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.

Do you have a child?

At beginning, having a younger sibling can feel like a lot of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. They may also feel left out if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older one to the side, so having a double stroller For 3 year old buggy right from the beginning can make everything simpler. 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 each child will get the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who are keen to explore. This nifty buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it includes a number of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require an effective business travel system?

Double buggies are ideal for transporting your children around in comfort, but they're not essential for every family. You could use a single stroller, and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that permit your child and you to travel 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 positioned next to each other, which means your children can see each one another. They are larger than a single stroller, and may be difficult to maneuver over the kerbs. Tandem buggies provide a more compact double buggy alternative, with a seat in the front and another in the rear, however they are still heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to convert a single stroller into a double buggy by securing an infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example - it can be used for twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.

Once your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they may not want to be in a buggy and could easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.

Before you make the decision to buy a double buggy from birth, take some time to think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life simpler, especially when you have to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.