Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from 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 active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight and movable, and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.

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. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, fold easily and small enough to fit into the car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy's ease of use with the wheels folded and to take out and into your car boot.

You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. These are great 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 toddlers to pick from. They are generally easy to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily navigate kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. They're typically wider than a side-by-side and can be heavy when folded, so it's important to check they'll fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and an infant or three children by 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 by attaching a second seat, carrycot or car seat to their clever frame. They're generally more expensive than side by sides or Graco Stadium Duo Tandem Maxmass Double Seat Baby Stroller Adjustable Handlebar Pushchair - Black/Grey (https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/) buggies, but they offer a lot of versatility and a good resale value. They're generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and "cinema seating" for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a cheap double buggy buggy is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits above the other, and side-byside buggies. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be larger overall. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.

Do you have a baby?

At beginning having a younger sibling could seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the infant. They may be a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling ahead and having a double buggy from the start will make life simpler. It will also give your child an immense sense of pride when they become a "big brother or sister" and help them get used to their role.

The side-by-side double buggies can be a good option for twins, as each child will get the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with a unique frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also comes with a variety of configuration options including using the second seat to create a bassinet.

Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This innovative buggy starts as an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double, which can include a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and includes a number of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.

Do you require an automated travel system for your business?

Double buggies are ideal to transport your children around in comfort, but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You might be able to use one stroller, and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that allow you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in the front.

If you do opt for a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats that are close to each other, meaning that your children will be able see each one another. They are larger than a single stroller, and may be difficult to navigate through the kerbs. Tandem buggies are small that has one seat in the front and another at the back. However they can be heavy and lengthy to push.

Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they allow you to convert your stroller to an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This allows you to keep your newborn snuggled up comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent example of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.

As your children grow older and more capable to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them on bike rides or day excursions where they might prefer walking. It's important to remember that your kids may not always like to be in a stroller and might be tired and irritable during longer trips.

Before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you take a look at the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double stroller can simplify your life particularly if you have to navigate through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.