Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are many things to take into consideration. 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 will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle difficult all terrain double stroller with ease.

What style of buggy do you prefer?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can be used as prams and come with recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a lot amount, it's essential to make sure that the buggy be easily pushed around by folding the wheels into your boot and taken out.

The most popular type of double buggy is the side-by-side, which you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you, or for twins. They usually have a large number of seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to choose from. They are generally easy to navigate, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they can effortlessly handle kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. This is because the second seat sits behind the first, rather than on top of it. The seats are typically wider and bulkier than a side by side however, so make sure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and an infant or three children with the addition of an additional 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 and side-by-side buggies, however they provide a lot of flexibility and a very high cost of resale. They're generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models even come with an integrated ride-on board that can be used as 'cinema seating' for your older child.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated above the other, and side by side buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be smaller in width for getting through doors. Tandems are typically wider overall. They can also accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a toddler?

At beginning the idea of having a younger sibling can feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also caring for the baby. They might be feeling a little secluded when they are in a baby carrier while you push the older sibling ahead and so having a double buggy from the start will make life simpler. It can 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 role.

Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best travel double stroller option for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

If you prefer, we suggest alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This clever buggy can start off as an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double, taking a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone happy.

Do you require a business travel system?

Double buggies are great for transporting your children around in comfort, but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you may be able to get by with a single stroller and some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child around on their back or in front of you.

There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats next to each other, which means your children will be able to see each one another. However, these are generally larger than a single pushchair and are difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact that has one seat in the front and another at the back. However, they can be heavy and lengthy to push.

Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they let you convert your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until he or is able to climb to the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example - it can be used with twins, a toddler and a baby or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.

Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer to walk. It is important to keep in mind that your children might not always be comfortable in a stroller, and may get tired and angry during longer trips.

So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double pushchair with car seat stroller can make life much easier especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.