Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

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

A must-have purchase for families with active children This buggy will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It is light and movable, and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.

What kind of buggy would you like?

double pushchair from birth buggys are perfect for transporting up to two children at a time even if they're not the same age. They can also serve as prams, and they 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 drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, fold up easily and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a significant amount, you should make sure that the buggy be easily maneuvered with the wheels folded in your car boot, and then removed.

You might have seen this type of double Buggy With car seat buggy on other moms strollers or even in one as a child. They are perfect for older siblings or twins who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. These are usually easy to control, and if opt for a model with a soft suspension, they can easily navigate kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option since they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on top. The seats are typically wider and bulkier than a side-by-side and you must ensure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby or three children with the addition of a buggy board.

Lastly there are the'single and double stroller-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 or side-byside buggies, however they provide a lot of flexibility and come with a premium cost of resale. They are easy to steer and feature a large storage basket. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with a built-in ride-on board and "cinema seating" for your older child.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the most efficient method of transporting your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children are seated in a row, side-by-side or tandem buggies where one child is higher than the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be 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 toddler?

Having a younger sibling can be an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the baby. A double infant strollers buggy can also help them to feel included if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them get used to their new role.

Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins since they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also comes with a variety of configuration options, including the second seat as an infant bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who like to explore. This buggy is clever and can start as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double, taking the place of a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require a system of travel for your business?

Double buggies are excellent for transporting your children around in comfort, but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You could use one stroller and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that allow you and your child to be able to travel on their backs, or in front.

If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three types to pick from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. The two seats are placed in a row, so that your children will be able to see one another. They are larger than a single stroller double, and may be difficult to navigate around the kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can still be heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to transform one stroller into double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your infant snuggled in their car seat until they're ready to move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent illustration - it could be used with twins or a toddler, one or more children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.

When your children become older and more mobile and able, you can get double buggys to accompany them on bicycle rides or for day trips where they may prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they may not prefer to ride in a buggy and could easily become disgruntled and tired when they are on longer excursions.

So, before you decide to invest in a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double buggy will make life easier, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.