Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are plenty of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from 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.

A must-have for families with active children This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can tackle uneven terrain with ease.

What type of buggy do want?

A double seat stroller buggy is great for transporting two kids, 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 sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, fold up easily and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a great deal, it's important to make sure that the buggy be easily moved by folding the wheels into your car boot and removed.

You might have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers strollers or even in one as a kid. They're great for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating configurations and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They are usually simple to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they can effortlessly handle kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is because the second seat is placed behind the first one, rather than on top of it. The seats are usually larger and heavier than a side-by-side and you must ensure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, an infant or 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 by attaching a second seat, carrycot or car seat to their clever frame. They are more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a very high cost of resale. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting over the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are typically more spacious overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.

Do you have a child?

At first having a younger sibling can seem like a lot of responsibility especially if you are also caring for the baby. They may be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling to the side, so having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life simpler. It can also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they become a "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their new role.

Side-by-side buggies can be a good option for twins, as both children will share the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that opens the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.

Alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with a single pushchair and is then convertible into a double by adding the place of a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that are sure to ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require a system of travel for your business?

Double buggies are ideal to transport your children around in comfort but they're not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to do with a single stroller and certain attachments such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child on their backs or in front of you.

There are three different types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side By side double pushchairs and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats that are next to each other, meaning that your children can see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller and aren't easy to maneuver over kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option that has one seat in the front and a back seat. However, they can be heavy and difficult to push.

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

When your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer walking. It's important to remember that your children might not always enjoy being in a stroller and could be tired and irritable when they are on longer excursions.

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