Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are many aspects to consider. We spoke with 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 for families with active children This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and can handle difficult terrain with ease.

What kind of buggy would you prefer?

Double buggys are perfect for transporting up to two children at a time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also serve as prams, and they have the ability to recline in each seat so your children can lie down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They are usually light that folds easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you travel a lot amount, it's essential to ensure that the buggy can be easily maneuvered with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.

The most well-known type of double pram pushchair buggy is the side by side one, which you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs or even ridden in as a kid. They're great for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first, rather than on top of it. They're generally wider than a side-by-side and can be bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and a baby or three children with the addition of a buggy.

Lastly there are the'single-to-double' convertibles which can be used as a single pushchair twin from birth then convert to a double 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 plenty of flexibility and a very high resale price. They're generally easy to steer, have a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the ideal way to transport your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two main kinds of double running buggy buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children are seated together or tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.

Do you have a toddler?

At first the idea of having a younger sibling can feel like a lot of responsibility, especially if you're taking care of the baby. A double buggy may help children to feel included when you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they get to be 'big brother or sister' and help them get used to their new role.

The side-by-side double buggies could be a good option for twins, as both children will share the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, such as using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy double pushchair with car seat Trailblazer to active families who are keen to explore. This nifty buggy is a single pushchair that can be transformed into double pushchairs for twins by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and has lots of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require a business travel system?

Double buggies are an ideal way to move your children safely. However they aren't necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids you might be able to do with a single stroller and some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child on their back or in front of you.

If you choose to purchase a double buggy, there are three types to pick from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats positioned close to each other, which means your children will be able see each other. They are larger than a single stroller and can be difficult to maneuver around the kerbs. Tandem buggies are small with a seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and lengthy to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to convert a single stroller into a double buggy by securing the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main 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 children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day excursions where they prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not always want to be in a buggy and could easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.

So, before you decide to purchase a double stroller from the beginning be sure to think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life easier, particularly when you are required to navigate busy streets or busy malls.