Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

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

This buggy is an essential item for active families. It grows with you and your family, from twins to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and can tackle uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy would you prefer?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also be used as prams. Each seat is equipped with a reclining mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. They also come with plenty of storage space to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit into the car boot. If you're a frequent driver, it's worth checking that the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded and also to get out and into your car boot.

You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. These are great for older siblings who wish to keep up with you, or for twins. They typically come with numerous seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to pick from. They're usually easy to drive and, if you go for a model that has soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies are another popular choice as they're typically easier to turn than side-by-side. The second seat is located behind the first rather than on the top. They're usually larger than a side-by-side, and can be heavy when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a baby and toddler 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're generally 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 a large storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the best method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two primary types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children are seated in a row, side-by-side or tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both buggies are able to accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seats.

Do you have a child?

Being a parent to a child can be an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the infant. They might be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one ahead, so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make things easier. It will also help your child get into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.

double pram buggy buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best option for twins since they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. We love the streamlined B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands widthways to take two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as an infant carrier or bassinet.

We also recommend alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair that can be converted into double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has lots of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies are great for bringing your kids around in comfort however they're not the ideal purchase for every family. You could use a single stroller, and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit your child and you to be able to travel on their backs, or in the front.

If you do opt for a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side by side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats close to each other, so your children will be able to see each other. However, they are typically larger than a single pushchair, and are difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are small with a seat in the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and lengthy to push.

Convertible double buggies are wonderful because they allow you to convert your single stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until he or is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent example of this - it's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

As your children grow older and more capable and able, you can get double buggys to accompany them on bike rides or day excursions in which they prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not desire to be in a buggy and can easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.

Before you decide to invest in a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make life simpler, especially when you are required to navigate through busy streets or busy malls.