Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

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

A must-have for families with active children This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy do you want?

A double pushchairs for toddlers buggy is great for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams and have the ability to recline in each seat, so your children can lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and back into your car boot.

You might have seen this type of double pushchair buggy on other moms strollers or even in one as a child. They are perfect for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They also come in various seating options and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They are generally easy to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle 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. They're typically wider than a side-by-side and can be bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids 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 more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a very high selling price. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with built-in ride-on boards and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the best method of transporting your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies where your children are seated together, and tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a child?

At beginning, having a younger sibling may feel like a lot of responsibility, particularly if you're also caring for the infant. They might be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one to the side and having a double buggy from the start can make everything easier. It can aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins because they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different 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 are keen to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair which can be made double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough all terrain double buggy, and it has many thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to make do with a single stroller and certain attachments such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child on their backs or in front of you.

There are three types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are placed side-by-side, so your children will be able to see each other. However, they are generally larger than a single twin pushchair from birth, and can be tricky to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies provide a more compact alternative, with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, however they are still heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by securing the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until he or is ready to step into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children become older and more able and able, you can get a double buggy to take them on cycling trips or other day trips where they might prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that your children may not always be comfortable in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.

Before you invest in a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above and your family's unique circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double stroller can simplify life particularly if you have to navigate busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.