Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When choosing the perfect double pram buggy buggy, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. We spoke to Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

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

What kind of buggy do you want?

Double buggys are great for transporting two children at a time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also serve as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism so that your children can sit or lie down in different positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight that folds easily and are compact enough to fit into the car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy's maneuverability with the folded wheels and to take out and back into your boot.

You might have seen this kind of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins and typically have a large number of seating configurations (including 'cinema' seats) for your children to choose from. They are usually simple to navigate, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they will easily handle kerbs.

Tandem buggies are another popular option because they're easier to turn than side-by-side. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first, rather than on top of it. The seats are generally larger and heavier than a side by side and you must ensure 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 extra buggy board.

Lastly there are the'Single double stroller-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 are generally 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, have large storage bins and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with built-in ride-on boards and 'cinema seating' for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the best way to move them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies where one child is seated over the other, and side by side buggies. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to be able to pass through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seats.

Do you have a child?

A younger sibling can be an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the infant. A double buggy may make it easier for children to feel included when you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It can also provide your child with the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they get to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their role.

The side-by-side double buggies could be a great option for twins, as both children will share the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc with its innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers different configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

If you prefer, we suggest alternatively, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This innovative buggy is a single pushchair which can be made double by adding an additional seat or carrycot (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it comes with a variety of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.

Do you require a business travel system?

Double buggies are ideal for bringing your kids around in comfort but they're not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your kids you may be able to get by with a single stroller and certain attachments such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that let you carry your child around on their backs or in front of you.

If you decide to go with a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side-by-side as well as convertible. The two seats are positioned in a row, so that your children will be able to see each other. They are wider than a single stroller, and aren't easy to navigate around the kerbs. Tandem buggies are a compact option, with one seat in the front and a back seat. However, they can be heavy and long to push.

Convertible off road double buggy buggies permit you to transform one stroller into double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until he or is ready to step into the buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example of this - it can be used for twins as well as a toddler and an infant, or even three children with the optional PiggyBack Board.

When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can also 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 children might not always like to be in a stroller and might get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.

So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth, take some time to think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make your life easier, especially when you need to navigate busy streets or crowded malls.