Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the moment of 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.

A must-have for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is light, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy do you want?

Double buggys are ideal for transporting two children at once even if they're not the same age. They can be used as prams and have recline mechanisms within each seat, allowing your children can lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, fold easily and are small enough to fit into your car boot. If you drive a great amount, you should make sure that the buggy be easily pushed around with the wheels folded in your boot and taken out.

The most popular type of double buggy is the side-byside one, which you've probably seen on other mothers' pushchairs or even rode in as a child yourself. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with numerous seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to pick from. They're generally easy to steer and, if you opt for a model that has soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first rather than on the top. The seats are usually larger and heavier than a side-by-side however, so make sure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three kids with the inclusion of a buggy board.

Lastly there are the'single-to-double' convertibles which can be used as a single double stroller pushchair from birth then convert to a cheap double buggy by attaching a second seat, carrycot or car seat to their clever frame. They're more expensive than tandem buggies or side-byside buggies, but they offer plenty of flexibility and have a high selling price. They're generally simple to steer, feature 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?

Whether your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to transport them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate both seats for toddlers and a carrycot.

Do you have a toddler?

At first the idea of having a younger sibling may seem like a lot of responsibility, particularly if you're also caring for the infant. They may be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one ahead and so having a double buggy from the start can make things easier. It can also help your child get 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 as they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two fixed seats and 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 who love to explore. This innovative buggy is a single pushchair that can be converted into double umbrella stroller by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and has lots of thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies are great to transport your children around in comfort, but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to get by using a single stroller with some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child around on their backs or in front of you.

If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side-by-side as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats next to each other, which means your children can see each other. These buggies are wider than a single stroller and may be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option that has one seat in the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they let you convert your stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. It is possible to keep your child in the car seat until she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great 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.

As your children grow older and more capable and able, you can get double buggys to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they might prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your children may not always enjoy being in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.

Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, think about the factors mentioned above and your family's unique situation. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life easier, particularly when you need to navigate through busy streets or busy malls.