Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the time of birth. 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.

A must-have purchase for active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.

What style of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is great for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can lie down or sit in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, fold easily and are small enough to fit into the car boot. If you drive a great amount, it's essential to ensure that the buggy can be easily pushed around with the folded wheels in your boot and taken out.

You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms strollers or even in one as a child. They are perfect for twins or older siblings who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating options and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They are usually simple to control, and if select a model that has a soft suspension, they will effortlessly handle kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're easier to turn than side-by-side. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first one, instead of on top of it. The seats are typically wider and bulkier than a side-by-side however, so make sure whether they are able to pass through doors or on 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-by-side buggies, however they provide plenty of flexibility and come with a premium selling price. They are easy to steer and have an ample storage basket. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies in which your children sit together, and tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both buggies can accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are typically more spacious overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.

Do you have a baby?

At beginning, having a younger sibling may seem like a lot of responsibility particularly if you're also caring for the baby. They may also feel left out when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older one ahead, so having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life easier. It can also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they are able to be "big brother or sister" and help them get used to their role.

Side-by-side buggies can be a good option for twins, as both children will share the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy with an innovative frame that expands in width and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also comes with a variety of configuration options, including the second seat for the bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who like to explore. This clever buggy can start off as a single pushchair but is then convertible into a Graco DuoRider Double Pushchair: Lightweight Birth to 3 Years, which can include a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has lots of clever features that will ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies are great for bringing your kids around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You may be able make do with a single stroller, and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that allow you and your child to travel on their backs or in the front.

There are three different types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are set side-by-side, so your children can see one another. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair and can be tricky to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are small with a seat at the front and a second one at the back. However they can be quite heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies are great because they allow you to convert your stroller to an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This way, you can 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 an excellent example of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

As your children grow older and more capable and able, you can get a double buggy to take them on bicycle rides or for day trips where they might prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that your children might not always be comfortable in a stroller and might be tired and irritable on longer outings.

So, before you decide to invest in a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you think about the above points and the particular circumstances of your family. A sturdy pushchairs And prams reliable double stroller can make life much easier especially if you need to travel through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.