Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

This buggy is an essential item for active families. It grows with you and your family, from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight, has great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain easily.

What style of buggy do you want?

Double buggys are great for transporting two children at a time, even if they are not the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can lie down or sit in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They are usually light that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you travel a lot amount, you should ensure that the buggy can be easily pushed around with the folded wheels in your car boot, and then removed.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other moms' strollers double or even ridden in one as a child. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have numerous seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to choose from. These are usually easy to navigate, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they can easily navigate kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat sits behind the first rather than on top of it. The seats are usually wider and bulkier than a side-by-side, so you should check that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby or three children by the addition of a buggy board.

Lastly there are the'single-to-double' convertibles which can be used as a single to double pushchair 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 or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high resale value. They're generally easy to steer, come with an enormous storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the best option to transport them around. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children sit together and tandem buggies in which one child is placed above the other. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are typically larger overall. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.

Do you have a toddler?

At beginning having a younger sibling may seem like a lot of responsibility, particularly if you're also taking care of the baby. A double buggy may allow them to feel included if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them settle into their role.

The side-by-side double buggies could be a great option for twins, since each child will get the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy that features an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also provides a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat as a bassinet.

If you prefer, we suggest an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This nifty buggy is a single pushchair which can be made double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies can be an excellent way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However, they are not necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you may be able to make do using a single stroller with some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child around on their backs or in front of you.

If you do opt for a double buggy there are three kinds to pick from: side-by-side as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats that are near each other, so your children can see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller, and aren't easy to navigate over the kerbs. Tandem buggies provide a more compact alternative, with a single seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they can be still quite long and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to transform a single stroller into a small double buggy buggy by securing the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your child in the car seat until is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great illustration - it could be used with twins, a toddler and one or more children using 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 bicycle rides or day excursions where they prefer walking. But, it's important to remember that they may not always prefer to ride in a buggy and could easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.

Before you invest in a double stroller, take into consideration the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.