Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to consider. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options and age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

This buggy is essential for active families. It grows with your family from toddlers to twins. It's light and easy to maneuver and can tackle difficult terrain with ease.

What kind of buggy would you prefer?

A double buggy is ideal 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 various positions. They also come with plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold easily and compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy's maneuverability using the folded wheels, and also to get in and out of your car boot.

The most common type of double buggy is the side-byside that you've probably seen on other mothers pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a child. They're ideal for twins or older siblings who want to keep up with you. They are also available in various seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They are generally easy to navigate, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle kerbs.

Tandem buggies are also a popular option since they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first one, rather than over it. They're usually larger than a side-by-side, and can be heavy when folded, so it's important to check they'll fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a baby and toddler 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 are more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, however they provide the flexibility of a single to double buggy buggie and come with a premium selling price. They're generally easy to steer, have a huge storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with built-in ride-on boards and "cinema seating" for your older child.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the best way to transport your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two main types of double buggy: side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated side by side, and tandem buggies where one baby is above the other. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seats.

Do you have one?

Being a parent to a child can feel like quite an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the baby. A Amazon Double Stroller buggy may help them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with a sense of pride as they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them get used to their role.

Side-by-side buggies can be a good option for twins, as both children will share the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc with its innovative frame that can be expanded widthways to take two seats fixed. It also offers various configuration options, including the second seat being used as baby carrier or a bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who like to explore. This innovative buggy is a single-pushchair which can be made a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has lots of clever features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require a traveling system?

Double buggies are an ideal way to move your children in a comfortable way. However, they are not necessary for every family. You could get by with just one stroller and some attachments like baby straps and toddler carriers that allow your child and you to ride on their backs or in the front.

If you choose to purchase a double buggy, there are three types to pick from: side-by-side or tandem, and convertible. The two seats are set parallel to each other, so your children can see one another. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair, and are difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are small that has one seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and lengthy to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your child in the car seat until is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three kids with the addition of the optional PiggyBack board.

As your children grow older and more capable to walk, you can opt for a double buggy to take them to cycling trips or other day trips where they might prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they may not always prefer to ride in a buggy and could easily get tired and angry during longer trips.

Before you decide to invest in a double buggy at the time of birth make sure you think about the above points and the particular circumstances of your family. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life easier, especially when you are required to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.