Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are plenty of things to consider when selecting the ideal double travel stroller buggy right from the moment 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 to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and can handle uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy do want?

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 comes with a reclining mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's worth checking that the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded and to take in and out of your boot.

The most well-known type of double buggy is the side-byside that you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. They are ideal for older siblings who wish to keep up with you, or for twins and typically have numerous seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to pick from. They're usually easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are easier 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 typically wider 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 public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three children 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 they offer a lot of flexibility and have a great resale value. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and can cope well on 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 of different age groups, a double buggy is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two primary kinds of double car seat stroller buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children sit in a row, side-by-side and tandem buggies in which one child is higher than the other. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are generally larger overall. They can also accommodate seats for toddlers and a carrycot.

Do you have a baby?

At first the idea of having a younger sibling could feel like a lot of responsibility especially if you are also taking care of the baby. A double buggy can help them to feel included if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also give your child a sense of pride as they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them adjust to their role.

Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best twin stroller choice 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 in width to accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different 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 buggy is clever and can start as an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double, which can include an additional seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain, and it has numerous thoughtful features that will ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require a business travel system?

Double buggies can be a great way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't required for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children, you may be able to do with just a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child around on their back or in front of you.

If you do opt for a double buggy there are three kinds to pick from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats next to each other, meaning that your children can see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an easier way to travel with a single seat in the front and one in the rear, however they can still be large and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your baby in the car seat until he/she she is ready to move up into the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example - it can be used for twins, a toddler and an infant, or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.

If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or day trips where they might prefer walking. It is important to keep in mind that your kids may not always be comfortable in a stroller, and may become tired and disgruntled on longer outings.

Before you decide to purchase a double buggy at the time of birth be sure to take a look at the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify life, especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.