Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. We spoke to 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 essential for active families. It grows with your family from toddlers to twins. It's light and easy to maneuver and is able to tackle uneven all terrain double buggy easily.

What kind of buggy would you like?

Double buggys are perfect for transporting up to two children at the same time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in various positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight twin buggy, fold easily, and small enough to fit in your car's boot. If you travel a lot deal, it's important to ensure that the buggy can be easily maneuvered with the wheels folded in your car boot and removed.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers strollers or even in one as a kid. 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 children to choose from. They are usually simple to control, and if opt for a model with a soft suspension, they will easily navigate kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. This is because the second seat sits behind the first, instead of sitting on top of it. They're generally bigger than a side-byside and can be bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids with the addition of a buggy.

Lastly there are the'single-to-double' convertibles which can be used as a single pushchair double 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 have a high selling price. They're generally simple to steer, feature an enormous storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your older child.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits above the other, and side by side buggies. Both can accommodate two fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seats.

Do you have children?

At first the idea of having a younger sibling can feel like a lot of responsibility especially if you are also taking care of the baby. A double buggy can also make it easier for children to feel included when you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also help your child get into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side double buggies are often considered to be the best twin buggy choice for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with a unique frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also offers different configuration options including using the second seat to create the 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 transformed into a double 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 thoughtful features to keep everyone happy.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies are great to transport your children around in comfort but they're not essential for every family. You could use one twin umbrella stroller, and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that allow you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in the front.

There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are set parallel to each other, so your children will be able to see each other. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are small that has one seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies are fantastic as they allow you to transform your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until he/she is ready to step to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this - it's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they might prefer walking. But, it's important to remember that they may not always prefer to ride in a buggy and can easily become disgruntled and tired when they are on longer excursions.

So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth, take some time to think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. A solid and reliable double stroller will make life much easier especially if you need to navigate busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.