Buying a double travel stroller buggy from birth (the original source)

There are a lot of things 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 suggestions on everything from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.

This buggy is an essential item for active families. It will grow with your family, from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy would you like?

A double buggy is great 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 sit or lie down in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight twin stroller they fold easily and are compact enough to fit into your car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels as well as to get it out and into your car boot.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers strollers or even in one as a child. They are perfect for twins who are older or who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in various seating configurations and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They're usually pretty easy to drive and, if you opt for a model with a 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 because the second seat sits behind the first, rather than on top of it. They're typically wider than a side-by-side and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids 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 tend to be more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and have a great return on investment. They are easy to steer and come with an ample storage basket. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with built-in ride-on boards and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two primary kinds of double twin buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children sit together and tandem buggies in which one child is higher than the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies are typically narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems are generally larger overall. They can also accommodate both a toddler seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a toddler?

At first, having a younger sibling can seem like a lot of responsibility especially if you're caring for the baby. A double buggy may allow children to feel included when you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also help your child settle into their new role of big brother or sister'.

Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best travel double stroller choice for twins as they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc which has an innovative frame that opens the width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides different configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

Alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double by adding an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and comes with a variety of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.

Do you require a traveling system?

Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort, but they're not the ideal purchase for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids you might be able to do with just a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child on their back or in front of you.

If you do opt for a double buggy there are three types to choose from: side-by-side as well as convertible. The two seats are positioned side-by-side, 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 around kerbs. Tandem buggies offer a more compact alternative, with a seat in the front and one in the rear, however they can still be heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies allow 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 child in the car seat until he/she she is ready to move into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example - it can be used with twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.

As your children grow older and more capable and able, you can get double buggys to accompany them to cycling trips or other day trips where they may prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they may not always prefer to ride in a buggy, and they could easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.

Before you invest in a double stroller, consider the above factors and your family's unique situation. A reliable and sturdy double buggy will make life easier, particularly when you have to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.