Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are a lot of 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.

This buggy is essential for active families. It will grow with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It is lightweight double buggy with great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.

What kind of buggy do you prefer?

Double buggys are perfect for transporting two children at the same time even if they're not the same age. They can also serve as prams and come with recline mechanisms in each seat so your children can lay down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight, fold easily, and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking the buggy's maneuverability with the folded wheels and also to get out and into your car boot.

The most popular type of double buggy is the side-by-side, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. They are perfect for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating options and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They are generally easy to navigate, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily navigate the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're easier to turn than side-by-side. This is because the second seat sits behind the first, instead of sitting over it. The seats are usually bigger and bulkier than a traditional side by side, so you should check whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, an infant 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 tend to be 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 come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the ideal way to transport your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.

Do you have children?

Having a younger sibling can feel like an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the infant. They might also feel left out when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling along, so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make things easier. It can 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 lightweight double stroller choice for twins because they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc with its innovative frame that can be expanded the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who are keen to explore. This innovative buggy starts with an individual pushchair, but it can then be converted into a double, which can include an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the 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 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 get by with just one stroller, and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit your child and you to ride on their backs or in front.

There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are positioned in a row, so that your children will be able to be able to see each other. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair double, and are difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are an alternative that is smaller, with a single seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can still be large and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to transform one stroller into double twin buggy from birth by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your child in the car seat until he or is ready to step to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good illustration - it could be used with twins or a toddler, an infant, or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.

When your children become older and more able and able, you can get double buggys to accompany them to cycling trips or other day trips in which they prefer walking. It's important to remember that your children may not always like to be in a stroller, and may become tired and disgruntled on longer outings.

So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy from birth be sure to think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy will make life simpler, especially when you have to navigate busy streets or busy malls.