Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are many things to take into consideration. 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.

This buggy is a must-have for active families. It will grow with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It is light, has great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven all terrain double stroller easily.

What type of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams, and they have a reclining mechanism in each seat so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're typically lightweight, fold up easily and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you travel a significant amount, you should check that the buggy can be easily moved with the folded wheels in your car boot and removed.

You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms strollers or even in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with a large number of seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to pick from. They're generally easy to drive and, if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, make light work of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. The second seat is placed behind the first rather than on the top. The seats are usually wider and bulkier than a side-by-side and you must ensure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and three children with the addition of an extra 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're generally more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and have a great resale value. They are easy to steer and come with a large storage basket. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and "cinema seating" for your older child.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the best method of transporting your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting above the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies can accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to fit through doors. Tandems are generally larger overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.

Do you have a baby?

A younger sibling can feel like quite an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the baby. A double buggy can make it easier for them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with a sense of pride as they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their role.

The side-by-side double buggies can be a good option for twins, since both children will share the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that opens widthways to take two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.

If you prefer, we suggest an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This innovative buggy is a single pushchair that can be converted into a compact double buggy by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it comes with a variety of clever features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require a traveling system?

Double buggies are ideal for bringing your kids around in comfort however they're not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to do with just a single stroller and some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child on their back or in front of you.

There are three types of pushchairs double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are set parallel to each other, so your children can be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller and can be difficult to navigate around the kerbs. Tandem buggies are small that has one seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies are great because they let you convert your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This way, you can keep your baby safely in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main 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 children with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they might prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that your children may not always enjoy being in a stroller and might be tired and irritable on longer outings.

So, before you decide to purchase a double stroller from the beginning make sure you consider the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double compact twin stroller will make life much easier, especially if you need to navigate busy streets or bustling shopping centres.