Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from the time of birth. 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.

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

What kind of buggy do you prefer?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two kids, not necessarily of the same age, side by side. They can also serve as prams, and they have recline mechanisms in each seat, so your children can sit and stand double stroller or lie down in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold easily and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy's ease of use with the wheels folded as well as to get it in and out of your boot.

You may have seen this type 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 and typically have many seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your little ones to choose from. They are generally easy to control, and if choose a model with a soft suspension, they can easily handle kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. The second seat is located behind the first rather than on top. The seats are typically bigger and bulkier than a side-by-side and you must ensure whether they can fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins, a baby and toddler or three children with the addition 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 generally more expensive than side-by-sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high resale value. They're generally easy to steer, have a huge storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and "cinema seating" for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the most efficient way to transport them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting over the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to fit through doors. Tandems are generally larger overall. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a baby?

At first the idea of having a younger sibling could feel like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also caring for the infant. They may be a bit irritated if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one to the side and having a double buggy right from the beginning can make things easier. It will also help your child settle into their new role as big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side double buggies are usually considered the best option for twins as they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, such as using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy off road double buggy Trailblazer to families who are active and are keen to explore. This innovative buggy starts with an individual pushchair, but it can then be converted 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 numerous thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies are an ideal way to move your children safely. However they aren't required for every family. You could make do with one stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow you and your child to ride on their backs or in front.

If you choose to purchase a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side by side as well as convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats that are close to each other, meaning that your children can see each other. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair and are difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies offer a more compact alternative, with a seat in the front and another in the rear, but they can be still quite large and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into a double buggy by securing an infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your infant snuggled comfortably in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example of this - it can be used for twins or a toddler, a baby or even three children using the optional PiggyBack Board.

When your children become older and more capable and able, you can get a double buggy to take them to cycling trips or other day trips where they might prefer walking. But, it's important to remember that they may not always want to be in a buggy and could easily become disgruntled and tired when they are on longer excursions.

So, before you decide to purchase a double buggy from birth make sure you think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify your life especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.

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