Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the perfect double single pushchair buggy from the moment of birth. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

A must-have for families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight and has great maneuverability and can tackle uneven terrain with ease.

What type of buggy do you prefer?

Double buggys are perfect for transporting two children at a time, even if they are not the same age. They can also serve as prams, and they have the ability to recline in each seat so your children can sit or lay down in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight they fold easily and are compact double buggy enough to fit in the car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's important to make sure the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels as well as to get it in and out of your car boot.

You might have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They are ideal 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 children to choose from. These are usually easy to steer, and if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily navigate the kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option since they're more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is positioned behind the first, rather than on the top. They're usually wider than a side-by-side and can be bulky when folded, so it's crucial to ensure 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 double stroller with car seat 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 a lot of flexibility and a very high cost of resale. They are easy to steer and feature an ample storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with a built-in ride-on board and cinema seating for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the ideal method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child sits above the other, and side by side buggies. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, but side-byside buggies tend to be narrower in size to fit through doors. Tandems are typically larger overall. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seat.

Do you have a child?

At first having a younger sibling may seem like a lot of responsibility especially if you're taking care of the baby. They might be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier while you push the older one ahead and having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life simpler. It will also provide your child with a sense of pride as they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their new role.

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

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who love to explore. This clever buggy can start with a single pushchair and 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 includes a number of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.

Do you require a traveling system?

Double buggies are great for bringing your kids around in comfort but they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You could make do with one stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler straps that permit your child and you to travel on their backs or in front.

There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are set in a row, so that your children will be able to be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller and aren't easy to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they can be still quite long and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggy newborn buggies allow you to convert a single stroller into double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until he/she is ready to grow double stroller to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can be used to accompany them on bike 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 get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.

Before you purchase a double stroller, think about the factors above and your family's unique circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy can make your life easier, particularly when you are required to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.