Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from the moment of birth. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

A must-have investment for active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is light and movable, and can handle uneven terrain easily.

What type of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is ideal for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also be used as prams and have recline mechanisms in each seat so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. Often they're Lightweight Twin Buggy, fold up easily and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you travel a lot amount, it's essential to make sure that the buggy be easily moved with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.

The most well-known type of double buggy is the side by side, which you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins. They usually have many seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to pick from. These are usually easy to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they are able to effortlessly handle the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. The second seat is located behind the first and not on top. The seats are usually larger and heavier than a traditional side by side however, so make sure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, a baby 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're generally more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a high return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, come with an enormous storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models even come with a built-in ride-on board and "cinema seating" for your older child.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the best travel double stroller way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting over the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a baby?

A younger sibling can be an overwhelming responsibility initially, particularly when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy may help them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they get to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their role.

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

If you prefer, we suggest the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This clever buggy can start off as a single pushchair and it can then be converted into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone happy.

Do you require a business travel system?

Double buggies are great for transporting your children around in comfort, but they're not essential for every family. You may be able get by with just one stroller and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that permit your child and you to ride on their backs or in front.

If you do opt for a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. The two seats are positioned in a row, so that your children can be able to see each other. These buggies are wider than a single twin stroller and aren't easy to navigate over kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option that has one seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies are great because they let you convert your stroller to a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This way, you can keep your baby safely 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, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children get older and more mobile and able, you can get double buggys to accompany them to cycling trips or other day trips where they might prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they might not always desire to be in a buggy and could easily get tired and angry during longer trips.

Before you decide to purchase a double pushchairs stroller, consider the factors mentioned above and your family's unique situation. A solid and reliable double stroller can simplify your life, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.