Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy side by side buggy, there are a lot of things to consider. We spoke to 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 purchase for families with active children This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is light, has great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain with ease.

What kind of buggy do you prefer?

A double buggy is great for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's important to make sure the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and into your car boot.

You might have seen this type of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins. They usually have numerous seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to choose from. These are usually easy to control, and if select a model that has a soft suspension, they can effortlessly handle kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. This is because the second seat sits behind the first one, instead of on top of it. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be heavy when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and 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 and tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of versatility and a good price for resales. They are easy to steer and feature large storage bins. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

double tandem pushchair buggys are the best double strollers for newborn and Toddler method of transporting your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two main types of cheap double pushchair buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children are seated together, and tandem double stroller buggies where one baby is above the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be smaller in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also accommodate a toddler seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a toddler?

Being a parent to a child can feel like an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the baby. They may be a bit irritated when they are in a baby carrier while you push the older one along and having a double buggy from birth can make everything easier. It can also help your child settle into their new role of big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side double buggies are often considered the best option for twins since they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that opens widthways to take two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including the second seat being used as an infant carrier or bassinet.

If you prefer, we suggest alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This innovative buggy starts as a single pushchair but it can then be converted into a double, which can include an additional seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough all terrain double buggy and it comes with a variety of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.

Do you require a system of travel for your business?

Double buggies are ideal for transporting your children around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids you might be able to make do using a single stroller with certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child around on their backs 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 set side-by-side, so your children will be able to see each other. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact, with one seat at the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies are great as they allow you to transform your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your baby safely in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example - it can be used with twins, a toddler and a baby or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.

When your children become older and more able to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to accompany them to bike rides or day excursions where they may prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your children may not always be comfortable in a stroller and might become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.

Before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller will simplify life, especially if you need to navigate busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.