Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are a lot of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her tips on everything from seating options and age groups, to folding mechanisms and storage.

This buggy is essential for active families. It will grow with your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can tackle uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy do you want?

Double buggys are great for transporting up to two children at once, even if they are not the same age. They can be used as prams, and they have the ability to recline in each seat so your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage space to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight double pushchair, easy to fold and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking that the buggy's ease of use with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and back into your boot.

You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers strollers, or even in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins and typically have many seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to choose from. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. The second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on top. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby 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 smallest double buggy 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 return on investment. They are easy to steer and have a large storage basket. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your older child.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the best travel double stroller method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting above the other, and side-byside buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be smaller in width for getting through doors. Tandems are generally more spacious overall. They can also accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.

Do you have a child?

A younger sibling can feel like a big responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the infant. A double buggy may make it easier for them to feel included if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. 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 let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy with a unique frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also provides a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat to create the bassinet.

We also recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This clever buggy can start as an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double, which can include an additional seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it comes with a variety of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children, you may be able to get by with a single stroller and certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child on their back or in front of you.

If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. The two seats are placed in a row, so that your children will be able to see one another. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can still be large and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until he or she is ready to move into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent example of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children get older and more capable and able, you can get a double buggy to take them on cycling trips or other day trips in which they prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that your children might not always like to be in a stroller, and may be tired and irritable when they are on longer excursions.

So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy from birth make sure you take a look at the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify your life particularly if you have to travel through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.