Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the perfect double buggy from the time of birth. We spoke with 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 an essential item for active families. It grows with your family from toddlers to twins. It is light, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain easily.

What type of buggy do you prefer?

A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also be used as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can lie down or sit in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels and to take in and out of your boot.

You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They're great for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They also come in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They're generally easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model with soft suspension, make light work of the kerbs.

tandem double stroller buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first, instead of on top of it. The seats are usually larger and heavier than a traditional side by side, so you should check whether they can fit through doors or on 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 jogging stroller' 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 and side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and have a high selling price. They're generally easy to steer, come with an enormous storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to move them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated over the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also be able to accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a child?

A younger sibling can feel like quite a big responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the infant. A double buggy can also make it easier for them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they become a "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their new role.

Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins because they allow both children to have the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE double single pushchair by Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.

If you prefer, we suggest the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This clever buggy is a single to double pushchair pushchair which can be made double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has numerous thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require an effective travel system for your business?

Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort but they're not a necessary 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 baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child around on their back or in front of you.

If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats positioned next to each other, which means your children will be able see each one another. However, they tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an alternative that is smaller, with a single seat in the front and another in the rear, however they are still large and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to convert a single stroller into a double buggy by securing an infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready to transition 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 kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.

As your children grow older and more able to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them on bike rides or day excursions in which they prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your children may not always be comfortable in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled during longer trips.

Before you invest in a double stroller, take into consideration the above factors and your family's unique circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double twin buggy from birth will make life simpler, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or busy malls.