Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are plenty of factors 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 an essential item for active families. It grows with you and your family, from twins to toddlers. It is light and movable, and is able to handle uneven terrain with ease.

What type of buggy would you prefer?

A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, fold easily and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a great amount, it's essential to ensure that the buggy can be easily maneuvered with the wheels folded in your boot and taken out.

The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-by-side that you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child. They're great for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They are generally easy to control, and if opt for a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily navigate kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. The second seat is placed behind the first rather than on top. They're usually larger 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 for twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids with the inclusion of a buggy board.

Lastly there are the'single-to-double buggy sale' 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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, however they provide plenty of flexibility and come with a premium resale price. They are easy to steer and feature an ample storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double pram pushchair buggy is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting above the other, and side-byside buggies. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a baby?

At first the idea of having a younger sibling can feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, particularly if you're also caring for the infant. A double buggy can make it easier for them to feel included if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.

Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best double buggy choice for twins because they allow both children to have the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that can be expanded the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.

We also recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This innovative buggy starts as an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and has lots of clever features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies are a great way to transport your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. You might be able to make do with a single stroller, and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler straps that permit you and your child to be able 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 have the two seats near each other, which means your children will be able to see each other. They are larger than a single stroller, and can be difficult to navigate around kerbs. Tandem buggies offer a more compact alternative, with a single to double pushchair double (appc.cctvdgrw.com) seat in the front and a second in the rear, however they are still long and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies are fantastic as they allow you to transform your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the addition of 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 day excursions where they prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your children might not always be comfortable in a stroller, and may get tired and angry during longer trips.

Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, think about the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life easier, particularly when you have to navigate busy streets or busy malls.