Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

A must-have investment for active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy do you prefer?

Double buggys are great for transporting two children at a time even if they're not of the same age. They can also serve as prams. Each seat has an adjustable 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 nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, easy to fold and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you travel a significant deal, it's important to check that the buggy can be easily moved by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.

The most common type of double buggy is the side by side one, which you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a kid. They're ideal for older siblings or twins who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in various seating options such as 'cinema seats'. These are usually easy to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they can easily navigate kerbs.

Tandem buggies are another popular option because they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat sits behind the first, instead of sitting over it. They're generally bigger than a side-byside and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why it's crucial to ensure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a baby and toddler or three kids 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 buggy side by side by attaching a second seat, carrycot or car seat to their clever frame. They are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-byside buggies, however they provide a lot of flexibility and come with a premium resale price. They're generally simple to steer, feature a huge storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and "cinema seating" for your older child.

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 can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.

Do you have one?

At first having a younger sibling could feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the infant. They may also feel left out if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling to the side and having a double buggy from birth will make life simpler. It will also help your child settle into their new role as big brother or sister'.

Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, including using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.

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

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies are an ideal way to move your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids you might be able to get by with a single stroller and certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child around on their backs 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 close to each other, which means your children can see each other. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option with a seat in the front and a second one at the back. However they can be quite heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double infant strollers buggies are wonderful as they allow you to transform your stroller to a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This will allow you to keep your infant snuggled safely in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent illustration of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three children with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.

As your children grow older and more capable to walk, you can opt for double umbrella stroller buggys to accompany them on bicycle rides or for day trips in which they prefer walking. But, it's important to remember that they may not want to be in a buggy and could easily be tired and disgruntled on longer outings.

So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to consider the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double stroller will make life much easier, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.