Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

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

This buggy is a must-have for active families. It will grow with your family, from twins to toddlers. It is light, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.

What style of buggy do want?

Double buggys are perfect for transporting two children at once, even if they are not of the same age. They can also serve as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can lie down or sit in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit into your car boot. If you drive a great deal, it's important to make sure that the buggy be easily moved with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.

The most common type of double buggy is the side-byside one, which you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with numerous seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your children to pick from. These are usually easy to navigate, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they are able to effortlessly handle kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular choice as they're typically more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first rather than on the top. They're generally bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, so it's important to check they'll be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, 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're more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, however they provide plenty of flexibility and have a high resale price. They're generally easy to steer, have 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?

Whether your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two primary types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated in a row, side-by-side, and tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.

Do you have children?

At beginning, having a younger sibling could feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. They may also feel left out when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling to the side, so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make everything easier. It will also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their new role.

Side-by-side buggies can be a great choice for twins since each child will get the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that expands widthways to take two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, such as using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are keen to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair that can be transformed into double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it comes with a variety of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.

Do you require an automated system of travel for your business?

Double buggies are ideal for bringing your kids around in comfort but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you might be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child on their back or in front of you.

There are three different types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are placed in a row, so that your children will be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to maneuver over kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact, with one seat in the front and another at the back. However they can be quite heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to convert a single stroller into double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until he/she is ready to step to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good illustration - it could be used for twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.

As your children grow older and more mobile, you can use a double buggy to take them to cycling trips or other day trips in which they prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they might not always desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.

Before you invest in a double buggy newborn stroller, consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify your life, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.