Buying a Double buggy from birth; compravivienda.com,

When you are deciding on the perfect off road double buggy buggy, there are a lot of aspects to consider. 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 families with active children This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can tackle uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy would you prefer?

A double buggy is ideal for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also function as prams. Each seat has a reclining mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, fold up easily and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded and to take out and into your car boot.

You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms' 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 configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They're generally easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, make light work of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are also a popular option because they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first, rather than over it. They're generally bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler, an infant or 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-byside buggies, but they offer plenty of flexibility and have a high cost of resale. They are easy to steer and come with large storage bins. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to move them around. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which 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 size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seats.

Do you have a baby?

Being a parent to a child can be a big 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 put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.

Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins because they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who like to explore. This clever buggy can start with an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double, taking an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it has lots of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You may be able use a single stroller, and some attachments such as baby carriers and toddler straps that permit your child and you to ride on their backs or in front.

There are three types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats positioned next to each other, which means your children can see each other. However, these are generally larger than a single pushchair and are difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an easier way to travel with a single seat in the front and another in the rear, but they are still heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to convert a single compact twin stroller into a double buggy by securing an infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your infant snuggled comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good illustration - it could be used for twins or a toddler, a baby or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.

As your children grow older and more able to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions where they might prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that your kids may not always be comfortable in a stroller, and may be tired and irritable when they are on longer excursions.

Before you invest in a double stroller, consider the factors mentioned above and your family's unique circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double stroller will simplify your life particularly if you have to travel through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.