Buying a double to single buggy Buggy From Birth

There are many 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 tips on everything from seating options and age groups, to folding mechanisms and storage.

This buggy is a must-have for active families. It grows with your family, from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can tackle difficult terrain with ease.

What style of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is great for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can be used as prams, and they have a reclining mechanism in each seat so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit in your car's boot. If you travel a lot deal, it's important to check that the buggy can be easily pushed around with the wheels folded in your boot and taken out.

The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-byside that you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs double, or perhaps ridden in as a child. They're great for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They're usually easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies are another popular choice as they're typically more maneuverable than a side-by-side. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first one, instead of sitting over it. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll fit through doors and 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 running stroller' 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 generally more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and have a great return on investment. They're generally simple to steer, feature 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?

If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child sits above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate both seats for toddlers and a carrycot.

Do you have one?

Having a younger sibling can feel like quite an enormous responsibility initially, particularly when you must tend to the baby. A double buggy can also allow them to feel included if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they are able to be "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their role.

Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins since they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE double buggy with carrycot by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and love to explore. This innovative buggy starts off as an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double, taking a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and has lots of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies are excellent to transport your children around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You may be able make do with a single stroller, and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that allow you and your child to travel on their backs or in the front.

There are three different types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats close to each other, so your children can see each other. They are larger than a single stroller, and aren't easy to navigate around kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can be still quite heavy and long 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 safely in their car seat until they're ready to move 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 addition of the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children become older and more capable, you can use a double pushchair with car seat buggy to accompany them on bicycle rides or for day trips where they may prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they might not always prefer to ride in a buggy and could easily get tired and angry on longer outings.

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 will make life much easier especially if you need to travel through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.