Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. 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.

A must-have investment for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's lightweight, has great maneuverability and is able to handle uneven terrain easily.

What type of buggy do you prefer?

A double buggy is ideal for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams. Each seat is equipped with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight, fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a great deal, it's important to make sure that the buggy be easily maneuvered with the folded wheels in your boot and taken out.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other moms' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins and typically have numerous seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to choose from. They're usually pretty easy to drive and, if you go for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. The second seat is located behind the first rather than on the top. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be heavy when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three kids 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 stokke double stroller 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, but they offer plenty of flexibility and a very high resale price. They are easy to steer and feature a large storage basket. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with an integrated ride-on board that can be used as "cinema seating" for your child's older.

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 where your children sit 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 smaller in width for getting through doors. Tandems are typically wider overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seats.

Do you have a child?

A younger sibling can feel like an overwhelming responsibility initially, particularly when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy may allow them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they are able to be "big brother or sister" and help them get used to their role.

The side-by-side double buggies can be a great choice for twins since each child will get the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy with an innovative frame that expands in width and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also provides a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat as a bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy double single pushchair Trailblazer to active families who like to explore. This buggy is clever and can start as a single pushchair and is then convertible into a double, taking the place of a second hand double buggy seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and comes with a variety of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies can be an excellent way to transport your children safely. However, they are not necessary for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children, you may be able to do with a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses which allow you to transport your child on their back or in front of you.

There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. The two seats are set side-by-side, so your children can see one another. However, they tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies are a more compact alternative, with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they can be still quite large and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent illustration - it could be used for twins, a toddler and a baby or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.

When your children get older and more able to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to accompany them to bike rides or day excursions in which they prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not always prefer to ride in a buggy and could easily get tired and angry on longer outings.

So, before you decide to invest in a double buggy from birth make sure you consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can make life much easier, especially if you need to travel through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.