Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are a lot of things to consider. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

This buggy is an essential item for active families. It will grow with your family, from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and movable, and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.

What kind of twin buggy from birth would you like?

Double buggys are great for transporting up to two children at the same time even if they're not the same age. They can be used as prams and have a reclining mechanism in each seat so your children can lie down in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and are compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a significant amount, you should ensure that the buggy can be easily pushed around with the wheels folded in your car boot, and then removed.

The most popular type of double buggy is the side-by-side, 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 and typically have numerous seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your little ones to choose from. They're usually easy to drive and, if you go for a model with a soft suspension, make light work of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are also a popular option because they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat sits behind the first, instead of over it. They're typically larger than a side-by-side, and can be heavy when folded, which is why it's crucial to ensure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and 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, however they provide the flexibility of a single buggie and have a high cost of resale. They're generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated over the other, and side by side buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be smaller in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seats.

Do you have children?

A younger sibling can feel like an enormous responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the baby. They might be feeling a little secluded when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older one to the side and having a double buggy from birth can make things easier. It will also help your child settle into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.

Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that opens widthways to take two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and like to explore. This clever buggy can start off as a single pushchair but it can then be converted 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 includes a number of clever features that will ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies are excellent to transport your children around in comfort, but they're not essential for every family. You may be able make do with one stroller and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that permit your child and you to travel on their backs or in the front.

If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats positioned next to each other, so your children will be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and may be difficult to navigate through the kerbs. Tandem buggies are small, with one seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they let you convert your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until he/she is ready to step to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example of this - it can be used with twins or a toddler, a baby or even three children using the option of a 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 to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your children may not always enjoy being in a stroller, and may get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.

Before you invest in a double stroller, think about the factors mentioned above and your family's specific circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can simplify your life particularly if you have to navigate through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.