Buying a double strollers for newborn and toddler Buggy From Birth

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

This buggy is a must-have for active families. It grows with your family from toddlers to twins. It is lightweight and movable, and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.

What style of buggy do you prefer?

A double buggy is ideal for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, fold up easily and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking that the buggy's ease of use with the folded wheels and to take out and into your boot.

The most well-known type of double buggy is the side by side, which you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child yourself. They are perfect for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They also come in various seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They're generally easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model with a soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. This is because the second seat sits behind the first instead of sitting over it. The seats are typically bigger and bulkier than a traditional side by side however, so make sure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, a baby or three children, with the addition of an extra 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 and tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and have a great return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two main types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies where your children sit in a row, side-by-side and tandem buggies in which one child is placed above the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be smaller in size to fit through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.

Do you have children?

A younger sibling can feel like an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the baby. A double buggy can help children to feel included when you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child settle into their new role as big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best lightweight double stroller option for twins since they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as an infant carrier or bassinet.

Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair double that can be transformed into double stroller with car seat by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal 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 great for bringing your kids around in comfort, but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You might be able to get by with just one twin stroller and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that permit you and your child to travel on their backs or in front.

There are three types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are positioned side-by-side, so your children can be able to see each other. However, they tend to be wider than a single pushchair and are difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option with a seat in the front and a second one at the back. However, they can be heavy and lengthy to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until he or she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic illustration of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children are older and have more endurance, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not desire to be in a buggy and could easily get tired and angry during longer trips.

Before you purchase a double stroller, think about the above factors and your family's unique circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can simplify your life especially if you need to travel through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.