Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are many things to take into consideration. 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 purchase for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is light, has great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain with ease.

What kind of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is great for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also serve as prams, and they have the ability to recline within each seat, allowing your children can lie down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit in your car's boot. If you drive a lot it's important to make sure the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded and to take in and out of your boot.

The most popular type of strollers double buggy is the side-byside that you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have a large number of seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to pick from. They are generally easy to navigate, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they can effortlessly handle the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are also a popular option since they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is located behind the first, rather than on top. The seats are typically bigger and bulkier than a side-by-side and you must ensure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and 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're more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, however they provide the flexibility of a single buggie and come with a premium selling price. They are easy to steer and have a large storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some even have a built-in ride-on board and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best double buggy way to transport them around. There are two types of double stroller for twins buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting above the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seats.

Do you have a baby?

A younger sibling can feel like quite an overwhelming responsibility initially, particularly when you need to be attentive to the baby. A double buggy can also allow them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also help your child settle into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best double stroller choice for twins since they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be hefty and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands widthways to take two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, including using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are keen to explore. This nifty buggy is a single-pushchair that can be transformed into double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require an effective travel system for your business?

Double buggies are ideal for transporting your children around in comfort but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you might be able to do using a single stroller with some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child on their backs or in front of you.

If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side-by-side as well as convertible. The two seats are positioned side-by-side, so your children can see one another. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option with a seat in the front and a second one at the back. However they can be heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single twin stroller side by side into double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your infant snuggled safely in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic illustration of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children become older and more mobile to walk, you can opt for double buggys to accompany them on bicycle rides or for day trips where they might prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they may not always prefer to ride in a buggy and could easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.

Before you purchase a double stroller, think about the above factors and your family's unique situation. Having a solid and reliable double stroller will simplify your life particularly if you have to navigate through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.