Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many things to take into consideration when choosing 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 investment for active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins to toddlers. It is light with great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat comes with a reclining mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight, fold easily, and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you travel a significant amount, you should make sure that the buggy be easily pushed around with the wheels folded in your boot and taken out.

The most well-known type of double buggy is the side by side, which you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child. They're ideal for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They also come in various seating options and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They're usually easy to drive and, if you go for a model with a soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat sits behind the first rather than over it. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be heavy when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used for 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 more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer plenty of flexibility and a very high resale price. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the ideal method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated in a row, side-by-side, and tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seat.

Do you have a child?

Being a parent to a child can be a big responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the baby. They may be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older one along and having a double buggy from birth will make life easier. It will aid your child in settling into their new role as a 'big sister or brother'.

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

We recommend the Mountain Buggy double travel stroller Trailblazer to active families who like to explore. This clever buggy is a single-pushchair which can be made double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and comes with a variety of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require a business travel system?

Double buggies are excellent for transporting 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 with 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.

If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. The two seats are set parallel to each other, so your children will be able to be able to see each other. However, these are generally larger than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are a more compact alternative, with a seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can still be heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they let you convert your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until he or she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children become older and more capable to walk, you can opt for double buggys to accompany them to bike rides or day excursions where they might prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they may not always desire to be in a buggy and can easily become disgruntled and tired during longer trips.

Before you invest in a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above and your family's unique situation. A durable and reliable double buggy can make life easier, particularly when you are required to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.