Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the moment of birth. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

This buggy is essential for active families. It grows with your family, from twins to toddlers. It is light with great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is ideal for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can also serve as prams, and they have recline mechanisms within each seat, allowing your children can sit n stand double stroller or lie down in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They are usually light, fold easily, and small enough to fit in your car boot. If you travel a significant deal, it's important to ensure that the buggy can be easily moved with the folded wheels in your car boot, and then removed.

You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms strollers, or even in one as a kid. They're great for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They also come in various seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They are generally easy to steer, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they will effortlessly handle kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first, rather than on the top. The seats are generally wider and bulkier than a side by side, so you should check whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a baby and toddler or three children 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're more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, however they provide plenty of flexibility and come with a premium resale price. They're generally easy to steer, come with an enormous storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different ages, a double buggy is the best option to transport them around. There are two types of double lightweight twin buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children sit in a row, side-by-side or tandem buggies where one child is placed above the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seats.

Do you have a baby?

At beginning having a younger sibling may feel like a lot of responsibility, especially if you are also taking care of the baby. They might be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier while you push the older one ahead and so having a double buggy from the start can make everything easier. It will also give your child a sense of pride as they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them get used to their role.

Side-by-side buggies can be a great option for twins, as each child will get the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start as an individual pushchair, but it can then be converted into a double, taking the place of a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough all terrain double buggy and has lots of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.

Do you require an automated system of travel for your business?

Buy double pushchairs buggies are great for transporting your children around in comfort but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You may be able 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 front.

There are three different types of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are set in a row, so that your children will be able to see one another. However, they tend to be wider than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option with a seat at the front and another at the back. However, they can be heavy and lengthy to push.

Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they allow you to convert your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This way, you can keep your baby safely in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can be used for twins or a toddler, one or more children with the optional PiggyBack Board.

As your children grow older and more mobile to walk, you can opt for double buggys to accompany them to bike rides or day excursions 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 become tired and disgruntled on longer outings.

So, before you decide to purchase a double buggy from birth be sure to take a look at the above factors and the particular circumstances of your family. A reliable and sturdy double buggy will make life easier, particularly when you need to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.