Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When it comes to choosing the ideal double buggy, there are plenty of aspects to consider. 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 will grow with your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can handle difficult terrain with ease.

What style of buggy do want?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, but not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in different positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold easily and are compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you travel a lot amount, it's essential to check that the buggy can be easily moved by folding the wheels into your car boot, and then removed.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. These are great for older siblings who want to keep up with you or for twins and typically have numerous seating options (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to choose from. They are usually simple to control, and if select a model that has a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. The second seat is placed behind the first rather than on top. The seats are usually wider and bulkier than a side-by-side and you must ensure that they will fit 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 generally more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and have a great return on investment. They are easy to steer and feature a large storage basket. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the best way to transport them around. There are two main types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated in a row, side-by-side and tandem buggies in which one child is placed above the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems tend to be wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seats.

Do you have one?

At beginning, having a younger sibling can feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you're caring for the infant. A double Stroller Organizer buggy can make it easier for them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also help your child get into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.

The side-by-side double buggies can be a great choice for twins, as both children will share the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that can be expanded the width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, including the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to active families who love to explore. This clever buggy can start with a single pushchair and is then convertible into a double by adding a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it features many thoughtful features that are sure to ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require a system of travel for your business?

Double buggies are an excellent way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However they aren't necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children, you may be able to make do with a single stroller and some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child around on their backs or in front of you.

There are three types of double pram pushchair buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats close to each other, which means your children will be able see each one another. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and another in the rear, however they can be still quite heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your baby in the car seat until he/she is able to climb 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.

Once your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they might not always prefer to ride in a buggy, and they could easily be tired and disgruntled during longer trips.

So, before you decide to purchase a double buggy from birth be sure to take a look at the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller will make life much easier particularly if you have to navigate through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.