Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are many aspects to consider. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her suggestions on everything from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.

This buggy is a must-have for active families. It will grow with your family, from twins to toddlers. It is lightweight with great maneuverability and can handle uneven terrain easily.

What type of buggy do you want?

A double buggy is perfect for transporting two children, not necessarily of the same age, side-by-side. They can be used as prams and come with the ability to recline within each seat, allowing your children can lie down in various positions. They're often spacious enough to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They are often lightweight, fold easily, and compact enough to fit into your car's boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking that the buggy's ease of use with the folded wheels and to take in and out of your car boot.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mums strollers or even in one as a kid. They're ideal for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in various seating configurations such as 'cinema seats'. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you opt for a model that has soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies are also a popular option because they're easier to turn than side-by-side. This is due to the fact that the second seat is placed behind the first one, instead of sitting on top of it. They're generally wider than a side-by-side and can be heavy when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins or a toddler and baby or three kids with the addition of a buggy.

Lastly there are the'single-to-double' convertibles which can be used as a single pushchair from birth then convert to a cheap double buggy 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 provide plenty of flexibility and have a great resale value. They're generally easy to steer, come with a huge storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings of different ages, a double buggy is the best double strollers option to move them around. There are two primary kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies in which your children sit side by side and tandem buggies in which one child is placed above the other. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but 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 accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have one?

Being a parent to a child can feel like a big responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the baby. They may be feeling a little secluded when they are in an infant carrier while you push the older sibling to the side and so having a double buggy right from the beginning can make everything easier. It can aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side buggies can be a good option for twins, as both children will have the same view. However they are heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that opens widthways to take two seats fixed and provides different configuration options, including using the second seat as baby carrier or a bassinet.

Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families who love to explore. This buggy is clever and can start off as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double by adding the place of a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it has many thoughtful features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies are great for transporting your children around in comfort however they're not essential for every family. Based on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you might be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments, such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child 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 positioned near each other, so your children can see each other. However, these are generally larger than a single pushchair and can be tricky to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an easier way to travel with a seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can still be heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to convert one stroller into double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until he/she is ready to step into the buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example - it can be used with twins or a toddler, one or more children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.