Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy from the moment of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her tips on everything from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.

This buggy is an essential item for active families. It grows with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight and movable, and is able to handle uneven all terrain double buggy easily.

What kind of buggy would you prefer?

A double buggy is ideal for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams and come with the ability to recline in each seat so your children can sit or lie down in various positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy's ease of use using the folded wheels, and also to get out and back into your car boot.

The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-by-side one, which you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs or even ridden in as a child yourself. They are perfect for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They're usually easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides, are also popular. The second seat is located behind the first rather than on top. The seats are generally larger and heavier than a side by side and you must ensure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins, a baby and toddler or three children with the inclusion of a 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 and side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and come with a premium resale price. They're generally easy to steer, have a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best way to move them around. There are two primary types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children sit in a row, side-by-side or tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also be able to accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a child?

A younger sibling can be an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. They might also feel left out when they are in a baby carrier as you push the older sibling ahead and so having a double buggy from birth can make things simpler. It can also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their role.

Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best option for twins because they let both children enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc with its innovative frame that opens the width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, including the second seat being used as an infant carrier or bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Pram buggy (Play56.net) Trailblazer to active families who are keen to explore. This innovative buggy starts with an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a strollers double, which can include the place of a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it includes a number of clever features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require a system of travel for your business?

Double buggies are an excellent way to transport your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids, you may be able to get by using a single stroller with certain attachments such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that let you carry your child around on their backs or in front of you.

If you choose to purchase a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats next to each other, which means your children can see each other. These buggies are wider than a single and double stroller stroller, and aren't easy to navigate through kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with one seat in the front and one in the rear, however they are still long and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to convert a single stroller into a double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until he/she is able to climb to the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

Once your children are 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. It's important to keep in mind that your children may not always like to be in a twin stroller side by side, and may become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.

Before you decide ready to grow double stroller purchase a double buggy at the time of birth, take some time to think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can simplify life especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.