Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When choosing the perfect double twin 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.

This buggy is an essential item for active families. It will grow with you and your family from toddlers to twins. It is lightweight, has great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain easily.

What style of buggy do you prefer?

Double buggys are great for transporting two children at the same time even if they're not of the same age. They can also function as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold easily and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a great amount, you should make sure that the buggy be easily moved with the wheels folded in your car boot, and then removed.

The most popular 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're ideal for twins who are older or who want to keep pace with you. They also come in a variety of seating configurations, including 'cinema seats'. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you decide to go for a model that has soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular choice as they're typically more maneuverable than a side-by-side. The second seat is placed behind the first and not on the top. They're typically larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why 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 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies or side-byside buggies, but they offer plenty of flexibility and come with a premium cost of resale. They're generally simple to steer, feature large storage bins and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with an integrated ride-on board that can be used as "cinema seating" for your older child.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to move them around. There are two main types of double buggy - side-byside buggies that let your children sit in a row, side-by-side and tandem buggies in which one child is higher than the other. Both will accommodate 2 fixed seats, however side-by-side buggies tend to be smaller in width to allow for access through doors. Tandems are generally wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate an infant seat 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 caring for the baby. A double buggy can also allow children to feel included when you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also help your child get 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 allow both children to have the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE cheap double stroller from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that expands widthways to take two seats fixed and provides different configuration options, including using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.

We also recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start with an individual pushchair, but is then convertible into a double, taking the place of a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that will keep everyone content.

Do you require an automated business travel system?

Double buggies are great to transport your children around in comfort however they're not essential for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children you might be able to make do with a single stroller and some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child around on their back or in front of you.

There are three different types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats next to each other, so your children can see each one another. They are wider than a single stroller and may be difficult to maneuver around the kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they are still heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggy for Twins buggies allow you to transform one stroller into a double stroller with bassinet buggy by securing a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your infant snuggled safely in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a great example of this - it's suitable for twins or a toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children become older and more capable to walk, you can opt for double buggys to accompany them on bicycle rides or for day trips where they may prefer to walk. It is important to keep in mind that your children might not always enjoy being in a stroller and could be tired and irritable during longer trips.

Before you make the decision to buy a double buggy from birth make sure you think about the above points and your family's specific circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make life simpler, especially when you have to navigate through busy streets or crowded malls.