Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. We spoke to 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 a must-have for active families. It will grow with your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight and movable, and is able to handle uneven all terrain double buggy with ease.

What type of buggy would you like?

A double buggy converts to single buggy is perfect for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also function as prams. Each seat comes with an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and are compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy's ease of use with the wheels folded as well as to get it out and back into your car boot.

You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mothers strollers or even in one as a child. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins. They usually have a large number of seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your children to pick from. They're generally easy to drive and, if you decide to go for a model with a soft suspension, make light work of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first, instead of sitting over it. The seats are generally larger and heavier than a traditional side by side however, so make sure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and three children, with the addition of an additional 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 more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, but they offer the flexibility of a single buggie and have a high cost of resale. They are easy to steer and come with an ample storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with built-in ride-on boards and cinema seating for your older child.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggie is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child is seated over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are generally more spacious overall. They can also accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a baby?

A younger sibling can feel like quite an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you need to be attentive to the infant. A double buggy can also allow children to feel included when you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can aid your child in settling into their new role as a 'big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered to be the best choice for twins since they let both children enjoy the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a streamlined double buggy with an innovative frame that expands in width and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also provides a variety of configuration options including using the second seat to create the bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This clever buggy can start off as an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double by adding the place of a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and includes a number of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies are an excellent way to transport your children safely. However they aren't necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you might be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child on their backs or in front of you.

If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to pick from: side-by-side as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats that are next to each other, meaning that your children can see each other. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair, and are difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and one in the rear, however they can be still quite large and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies are fantastic as they allow you to transform your stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. This will allow 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 great example of this - it can be used for twins, a toddler and an infant, or even three children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.

If your children have grown older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day excursions where they prefer to walk. It's important to remember that your children may not always like to be in a stroller and might become tired and disgruntled on longer outings.

Before you purchase a double buggy sale stroller, think about the factors mentioned above and your family's unique situation. A sturdy and reliable double stroller can simplify your life particularly if you have to travel through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.