Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are plenty of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the moment of birth. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options, age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

A must-have for active families This buggy can grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is light and movable, and can handle uneven terrain with ease.

What kind of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also be used as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space to store everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a lot amount, you should check that the buggy can be easily maneuvered with the wheels folded in your boot and taken out.

The most compact double stroller common type of double buggy is the side-byside, which you've probably seen on other mothers' pushchairs or even rode in as a child. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have numerous seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your little ones to choose from. They are generally easy to control, and if select a model that has a soft suspension, they are able to effortlessly handle the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first, rather than on top of it. The seats are typically bigger 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 or a toddler and baby or three children with the addition of a buggy.

Lastly there are the'single-to-double single pushchair' 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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and have a high resale price. They are easy to steer and come with large storage bins. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the most efficient way to transport your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated above the other, and side-byside buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a toddler?

At beginning, having a younger sibling could seem like a lot of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the baby. They might be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling ahead, so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make everything easier. It will also help your child settle into their new role of big brother or sister'.

Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins since they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy with an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also provides a variety of configuration options, including the second seat as an infant bassinet.

If you prefer, we suggest the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair twin that can be transformed into double by adding a second 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 ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require a travel system for your business?

Double buggies are an excellent way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However, they are not necessary for every family. You could get by with just 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 front.

There are three kinds of nipper Double Buggy buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are positioned parallel to each other, so your children will be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and may be difficult to navigate through kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact with a seat in the front and another at the back. However they can be heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies are great because they allow you to convert your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up comfortably in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example - it can be used for twins or a toddler, an infant, or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.

When your children get older and more capable, you can use a double buggy to accompany them on bicycle rides or for day trips where they might prefer walking. It's important to remember that your children may not always be comfortable in a stroller and might be tired and irritable on longer outings.

Before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning make sure you think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make your life simpler, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or busy malls.