Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of aspects to consider. 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 a must-have for active families. It will grow with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It is light with great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain with ease.

What type of buggy do you prefer?

A double buggy is great for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also serve as prams, and they have a reclining mechanism within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels and also to get in and out of your boot.

The most compact double stroller well-known type of double buggy is the side by side that you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins and typically have many seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They're generally easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.

Tandem buggies are another popular option since they're easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is located behind the first and not on top. The seats are generally wider and bulkier than a side by side and you must ensure whether they are able to pass through doors or 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 are generally more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies but provide plenty of flexibility and a high price for resales. They are easy to steer and have an ample storage basket. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have an integrated ride-on board that can be used as cinema seating for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy with carrycot buggy is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child sits above the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are typically more spacious overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.

Do you have a baby?

Being a parent to a child can feel like quite an enormous responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the infant. They might be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling along and so having a double buggy from birth will make life simpler. It will also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them settle into their new role.

Side-by-side double buggies are often considered to be the best choice for twins since they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek Double pram stroller 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 to create an infant bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and love to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair which can be made a double to single buggy by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with numerous thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies are great for transporting your children around in comfort but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You may be able use one stroller with a few attachments, such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit your child and you to travel on their backs or in the front.

There are three different types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are set in a row, so that your children will be able to see one another. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact with a seat in the front and a back seat. However, they can be heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to convert a single stroller into double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until he/she she is ready to move to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent illustration of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they might prefer to walk. It is important to keep in mind that your kids may not always like to be in a stroller, and may become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.

Before you purchase a double stroller, consider the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller will simplify your life especially if you need to navigate busy streets or bustling shopping centres.