Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are a lot of things to consider. 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 you and your family from toddlers to twins. It's light and easy to maneuver and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.

What type of buggy would you like?

Double buggys are perfect for transporting up to two children at the same time even if they're not of the same age. They can be used as prams, and they have recline mechanisms within each seat, allowing 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. Often they're lightweight, easy to fold and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a great amount, you should check that the buggy can be easily moved with the wheels folded in your car boot and removed.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mums twin strollers for newborns or even in one as a kid. They're great for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They also come in a variety of seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. These are usually easy to steer, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they will easily handle the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is positioned behind the first rather than on top. The seats are generally larger and heavier than a traditional side by side and you must ensure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins, a baby and toddler or three kids with the addition of a buggy board.

Lastly there are the'single-to-double pram buggy' convertibles which can be used as a single twin pushchair from birth 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, however they provide the flexibility of a single buggie and have a high cost of resale. They're generally easy to steer, have an enormous storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some have 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 buggy is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a baby?

Being a parent to a child can feel like an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the infant. They may be a bit irritated when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling to the side and having a double buggy from birth will make life simpler. It can aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.

Side-by-side buggies can be a great option for twins since each child will get the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy that features an innovative frame that expands in width and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options including using the second seat for an infant bassinet.

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

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies can be an excellent way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't necessary for every family. You might be able to use one stroller with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that permit your child and you to ride 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 can be able to see each other. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are a more compact alternative, with a single seat in the front and one in the rear, however they are still heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to transform a single stroller into double stroller buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your child in the car seat until he/she is able to climb up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example of this - it can be used with twins or a toddler, a baby or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.

When your children are older and have more endurance, a double running stroller-buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they might prefer to walk. It's important to remember that your children might not always like to be in a stroller and could be tired and irritable during longer trips.

Before you decide to invest in a Double Buggy Newborn buggy at the time of birth be sure to take a look at the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make life easier, especially when you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.