Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the ideal double travel stroller buggy right from the moment of birth. We spoke with Fourth Trimester postnatal retreat expert Katie Billingsley for her advice on everything from seating options to age ranges to folding mechanisms and storage space.

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

What type of buggy would you prefer?

Double buggys are great for transporting two children at a time, even if they are not the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat comes with a reclining mechanism so that your children can lie down or sit in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. Often they're lightweight, fold up easily and are compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a great amount, it's essential to ensure that the buggy can be easily moved with the wheels folded in your boot and taken out.

The most popular type of double buggy is the side by side one, which you've likely seen on other moms pushchairs, or perhaps ridden in as a kid. These are great for older siblings that want to keep up with you, or for twins. They usually have a large number of seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They are generally easy to navigate, and if you choose a model with a soft suspension, they are able to easily handle the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is because the second seat sits behind the first instead of on top of it. The seats are typically bigger and bulkier 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, an infant or three children, with the addition of an additional buggy board.

Lastly there are the'single-to-double stroller for twins' 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 tend to be more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of flexibility and a high return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, have a huge storage basket and are able to handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with a built-in ride-on board and cinema seating for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the ideal method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children are seated in a row, 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 tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also be able to accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have a baby?

At first, having a younger sibling could seem like a lot of responsibility particularly if you're also caring for the infant. They might be feeling a little secluded if they are placed in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling to the side, so having a double buggy from the start can make everything simpler. It will also help your child get into their new role of a 'big sister or brother'.

Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered to be the best choice for twins since they allow both children to enjoy the same view, but they can be hefty and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a sleek double buggy with an innovative frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also comes with a variety of configuration options including using the second seat to create a bassinet.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy cheap double stroller Trailblazer to families who like to explore. This innovative buggy starts off as a single pushchair but it can then be converted into a double, which can include a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it has lots of clever features that will keep everyone comfortable.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies can be a great way to transport your children in comfort. However, they are not necessary for every family. You might be able to use one stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that permit you and your child to travel on their backs or in the front.

There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats near each other, so your children will be able see each other. They are larger than a single stroller and may be difficult to navigate around kerbs. Tandem buggies are an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they can be still quite heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to transform one stroller into a double buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This will allow you to keep your newborn snuggled up safely in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a fantastic example of this - it's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children become older and more able, you can use double buggys to accompany them to bicycle rides or for day trips in which they prefer to walk. But, it's important to remember that they may not always prefer to ride in a buggy, and they could easily become disgruntled and tired during longer trips.

Before you purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors mentioned above and your family's unique circumstances. A reliable and sturdy double buggy can make your life easier, particularly when you are required to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.