Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the perfect double buggy from the time of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her suggestions on everything from seating options and age groups, to folding mechanisms and storage.

This buggy is essential for active families. It grows with your family, from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.

What type of buggy do you prefer?

Double buggys are ideal for transporting two children at the same time even if they're not the same age. They can also be used as prams, and they have recline mechanisms in each seat so your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold up easily and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre using the folded wheels, as well as to get it out and back into your car boot.

You might have seen this type of nipper double buggy buggy on other mums strollers, or even in one as a kid. They are perfect for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They're usually easy to drive and, if you opt for a model with soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are another popular choice as they're typically easier to turn than side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first, instead of over it. The seats are typically wider and bulkier than a traditional side by side and you must ensure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, three children by 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're more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and come with a premium resale price. They're generally easy to steer, have a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two main types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children sit in a row, side-by-side, and tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are typically larger overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seats.

Do you have a toddler?

At beginning, having a younger sibling may seem like a lot of responsibility especially if you are also caring for the infant. They may be a bit irritated if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling along, so having a double buggy from birth can make things simpler. It will aid your child in settling into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best lightweight double stroller option for twins since they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy that features an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also comes with a variety of configuration options, including the second seat for an infant bassinet.

If you prefer, we suggest the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double by adding a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require an effective business travel system?

Double buggies are excellent to transport your children around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids you may be able to get by with just a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child on their back or in front of you.

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 come with two seats next to each other, which means your children will be able to see each one another. However, they tend to be wider than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option that has one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies are great because they let you convert your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent illustration of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children become older and more capable to walk, you can opt for cheap double buggy buggys to accompany them to bicycle rides or for day trips in which they prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not want to be in a buggy and could easily become disgruntled and tired when they are on longer excursions.

Before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning be sure to take a look at the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. A reliable and sturdy double buggy will make life easier, especially when you are required to navigate through busy streets or busy malls.