Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are a lot of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the moment of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her advice on everything ranging from seating options and age groups, to folding mechanisms and storage.

A must-have for active families This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.

What type of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is great for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, fold easily, and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a significant amount, you should check that the buggy can be easily pushed around with the wheels folded in your car boot and removed.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings who 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. These are usually easy to control, and if select a model that has a soft suspension, they are able to easily navigate the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by sides, are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first instead of on top of it. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and an infant or three children with the addition of an additional buggy board.

Lastly there are the'single-to-Chicco OHlalà Twin Double Stroller - Black Review' 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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-byside buggies, but they offer plenty of flexibility and come with a premium selling price. They're generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two main types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies where your children are seated together or tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are typically more spacious overall. They can also accommodate both a toddler seat and a carrycot.

Do you have one?

A younger sibling can feel like an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the baby. A double buggy can make it easier for them to feel included if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can aid your child in settling into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side buggies can be a great option for twins, as both children will have the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who love to explore. This innovative buggy starts with an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double by adding an additional seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.

Do you require a traveling system?

double pram pushchair buggies are a great way to transport your children safely. However they aren't required 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 certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child around on their backs or in front of you.

There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats positioned close to each other, so your children will be able see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and may be difficult to navigate through kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an easier way to travel with one seat in the front and one in the rear, however they can be still quite long and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they allow you to convert your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until he/she she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great illustration - it could be used for twins or a toddler, an infant, or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.

Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day excursions where they prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that your kids may not always be comfortable in a stroller, and may get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.

Before you purchase a double stroller, think about the above factors and your family's unique situation. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller will make life much easier, especially if you need to navigate busy streets or crowded shopping centres.