Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When choosing the perfect strollers double buggy, there are many things to consider. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

A must-have purchase for families with active children This buggy can grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and can tackle uneven terrain easily.

What type of buggy do you want?

Double buggys are perfect for transporting two children at the same time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also be used as prams and have recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can sit or lie down in various positions. They also come with plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, easy to fold and are compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a great deal, it's important to make sure that the buggy be easily moved with the folded wheels in your car boot, and then removed.

The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-by-side that you've likely seen on other moms' pushchairs or even rode in as a kid. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins. They usually have numerous seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to choose from. They're usually pretty easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on top of it. The seats are generally larger and heavier than a traditional side by side and you must ensure whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used for 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 from birth then convert to a double by attaching a second seat, carrycot or car seat to their clever frame. They are generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of versatility and a good price for resales. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and can handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

double pram and pushchair buggys are the ideal method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two primary kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children sit together and tandem buggies in which one child is higher than the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have one?

At beginning the idea of having a younger sibling could feel like a lot of responsibility, especially if you're taking care of the baby. They may be feeling a little secluded when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older one to the side, so having a small double stroller buggy from birth will make life easier. It will aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side double buggies are often considered to be the best choice for twins since they allow both children to enjoy the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that opens widthways to take two seats fixed and provides different configuration options, including the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.

If you prefer, we suggest an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This clever buggy can start with an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double, taking an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and includes a number of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.

Do you require a travel system for your business?

Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you might be able to do with a single stroller and certain attachments such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child on their back or in front of you.

If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. The two seats are positioned in a row, so that your children will be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller and aren't easy to maneuver through kerbs. Tandem buggies provide a more compact alternative, with one seat in the front and another in the rear, but they are still large and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to convert a single stroller into a double buggy by attaching an infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until he or she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great illustration of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children are older and have more endurance, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day excursions where they prefer to walk. But, it's important to remember that they may not always desire to be in a buggy and can easily get tired and angry during longer trips.

Before you purchase a double stroller, consider the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.