Buying a double to single buggy Buggy From Birth

There are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the moment of 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 toddlers to twins. It's light and easy to maneuver and can handle difficult terrain with ease.

What style of buggy do you prefer?

A double single pushchair (great site) buggy is perfect for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat has a reclining mechanism so that your children can sit or lie 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're usually lightweight, fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's important to make sure the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels and to take in and out of your boot.

You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers strollers, or even in one as a child. They are ideal for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have a large number of seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They're usually easy to drive and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by sides, are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat sits behind the first one, instead of over it. They're typically 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 to transport twins, a toddler and 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 tend to be more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and a high return on investment. They're generally simple to steer, feature large storage bins and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and cinema seating for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggy is the most efficient way to move 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 be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be more spacious overall. They can also be able to accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a baby?

At beginning the idea of having a younger sibling could feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the baby. They may be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one ahead and having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life easier. It can also provide your child with the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them get used to their role.

Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best lightweight double stroller option for twins as they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

If you prefer, we suggest the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair that can be transformed into double stroller with infant car seat by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you need a travel system?

double seat stroller buggies are ideal for bringing your kids around in comfort however they're not essential for every family. You could make do with one stroller, and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit your child and you to travel on their backs or in the front.

If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. The two seats are set side-by-side, so your children will be able to be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and may be difficult to navigate through kerbs. Tandem buggies are small that has one seat in the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to transform one stroller into double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This allows 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, a baby and toddler or even three children with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.

If your children have grown older and have more stamina, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your children might not always like to be in a stroller and might be tired and irritable when they are on longer excursions.

Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors mentioned above and your family's unique situation. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or busy malls.