Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from the time 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.

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

What style of buggy do you prefer?

Double buggys are perfect for transporting up to two children at a time even if they're not the same age. They can also be used as prams, and they have recline mechanisms within each seat, allowing your children can lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, easy to fold and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's important to make sure the buggy's maneuverability with the wheels folded and also to get out and into your boot.

You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums strollers, or even in one as a child. They are perfect for older siblings or twins who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They're generally easy to drive and, if you go for a model with a soft suspension, make light work of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option since they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first, rather than on top of it. They're generally wider than a side-by-side and can be heavy when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and 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 provide plenty of versatility and a good price for resales. They are easy to steer and come with large storage bins. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have an integrated ride-on board that can be used as 'cinema seating' for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double stroller with car seat buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting above the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies can accommodate two seats fixed. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be more spacious overall. They can also be able to accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.

Do you have children?

At beginning the idea of having a younger sibling can feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, particularly if you're also caring for the infant. They may be feeling a little secluded when they are in a baby carrier while you push the older one to the side and so having a Double prams for toddlers buggy from birth can make everything simpler. It will also help your child settle into their new role as a 'big sister or brother'.

The side-by-side double buggies can be a good option for twins, as both children will share the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy with an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also comes with a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat to create the bassinet.

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

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies are great for transporting your children around in comfort but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You could get by with just one stroller and some attachments such as baby straps and toddler carriers that allow your child and you to ride on their backs or in front.

There are three types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats near each other, which means your children will be able to see each other. They are wider than a single twin stroller with car seats, and aren't easy to navigate over the kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can still be long and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies are fantastic because they let you convert your stroller into double buggy by attaching an infant bassinet or car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your infant snuggled comfortably in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good example of this - it can be used for twins, a toddler and one or more children with the optional PiggyBack Board.

When your children get older and more capable and able, you can get a double buggy to accompany them to bicycle rides or for day trips where they may prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they might not always desire to be in a buggy, and they could easily get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.

Before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth, take some time to take a look at the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify life, especially if you need to travel through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.