Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When it comes to choosing the ideal double 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 and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

This buggy is a must-have for active families. It will grow with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It is light with great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven 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're not the same age. They can also serve as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism that allows 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 nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight that folds easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the twin buggy's maneuverability using the folded wheels, and to take out and back into your boot.

You may have seen this kind of Maxmass Double Seat Baby Stroller Adjustable Handlebar buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They're great for older siblings or twins who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating options such as 'cinema seats'. These are usually easy to steer, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they will easily navigate kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option since they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat sits behind the first instead of over it. They're typically 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 or a toddler and baby or three children with the inclusion 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 are generally more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a high resale value. They're generally easy to steer, have an enormous storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the ideal method of transporting your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated above the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate both seats for toddlers and a carrycot.

Do you have a baby?

Having a younger sibling can feel like an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy may help them to feel included if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they are able to be "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their new role.

Side-by-side buggies can be a great option for twins since each child will get the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as an infant carrier or bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double by adding the place of a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it comes with a variety of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children safely. However they aren't required 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 some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child on their back or in front of you.

If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats positioned close to each other, so your children can see each one another. They are wider than a single stroller and can be difficult to maneuver over kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with a single seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can still be long and heavy to push.

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

Once your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they might prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they may not always desire to be in a buggy and could easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.

Before you decide to invest in a double stroller from the beginning make sure you consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy can make life simpler, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or busy malls.