Buying a double buggy from birth - her explanation,

When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to consider. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her advice on everything ranging from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.

This buggy is an essential item for active families. It will grow with your family, from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy would you prefer?

A double buggy is great for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat is equipped with a reclining mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are usually light that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking that the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels and also to get out and back into your car boot.

The most common type of double buggy is the side-by-side one, which you've probably seen on other mothers' pushchairs or even rode in as a child. They are perfect for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating options, including 'cinema seats'. They're generally easy to steer and, if you go for a model that has soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. The second seat is located behind the first and not on the top. The seats are typically bigger and bulkier than a side-by-side, so you should check whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a baby or three children with the inclusion 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 resale value. They are easy to steer and feature a large storage basket. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with 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 ages, a double buggy is the best twin buggy way to transport them around. There are two primary kinds of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children are seated side by side or tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seats.

Do you have a baby?

Being a parent to a child can feel like quite an enormous responsibility initially, particularly when you need to be attentive to the infant. A double buggy can also help children to feel included when you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side buggies can be a good option for twins, as both children will have the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are keen to explore. This clever buggy can start as a single twin pushchair and can be converted into a double, taking a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require an automated business travel system?

Double buggies can be an excellent way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't required for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you may be able to get by using a single stroller with some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child around on their back or in front of you.

If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats close to each other, meaning that your children can see each one another. They are larger than a single stroller and aren't easy to navigate around kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option that has one seat in the front and a back seat. However, they can be heavy and lengthy to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until is able to climb to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good illustration - it could be used with twins or a toddler, one or more children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.

As your children grow older and more mobile and able, you can get a double buggy to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they might prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your children may not always like to be in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled on longer outings.

Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above and your family's unique situation. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller will simplify your life particularly if you have to best travel double stroller through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.