Buying a double buggy from birth [play.cbcesports.com]

There are a lot of things to consider when selecting the ideal double buggy right from the time of birth. Katie Billingsley, a postnatal retreat expert from the Fourth Trimester, gave us her advice on everything ranging from seating options and age groups to folding mechanisms and storage.

A must-have for active families This buggy will grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can handle difficult terrain with ease.

What style of buggy do you want?

Double buggys are great for transporting up to two children at once even if they're not of the same age. They can also be used as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit n stand double stroller or lie down in various positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage space to store everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, easy to fold and are compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you're someone who drives a lot, it's important to make sure the buggy's ease of use using the folded wheels, and also to get in and out of your car boot.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mothers' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. They're great for older siblings or twins who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating options such as 'cinema seats'. They're usually pretty easy to drive and, if you opt for a model with soft suspension, you can make light work of the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides, are also very popular. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first one, rather than on top of it. They're usually bigger than a side-byside and can be a bit bulky when folded, which is why it's important to check they'll fit through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and a baby or three children with the addition of an extra 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, but they offer a lot of flexibility and a very high resale price. They are easy to steer and have large storage bins. They also have the ability to handle uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings of different age groups, a double buggy is the most efficient way to move them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies are able to accommodate two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower to fit through doors. Tandems are generally wider overall. They can also accommodate both seats for toddlers and a carrycot.

Do you have a child?

Having a younger sibling can feel like an enormous responsibility at first, especially when you have to tend to the baby. They might also feel left out if they are placed in a baby carrier as you push the older one to the side and so having a double buggy right from the beginning will make life easier. It will aid your child in settling into their new role of a 'big brother or sister'.

Side-by-side buggies can be a great option for twins since both children will have the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. The Leclerc B-AGILE DUAL is a compact double buggy that features an innovative frame that can be expanded widthwise and can accommodate two seats fixed. It also offers different configuration options, including the second seat as the bassinet.

Alternatively, we recommend an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This innovative buggy starts with a single pushchair but it can then be converted into a double seat stroller, taking the place of a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and has lots of clever features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies are excellent to transport your children around in comfort however they're not a necessary purchase for every family. Depending 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 like toddler harnesses and baby carriers that allow you to ferry your child around on their backs or in front of you.

If you do opt for a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side by side as well as convertible. The two seats are placed parallel to each other, so your children can see each other. However, these are typically larger than a single pushchair, and can be tricky to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are small with a seat at the front and a back seat. However, they can be heavy and difficult to push.

Convertible double buggies are great as they allow you to transform your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until is ready to step into the buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example of this - it can be used for twins as well as a toddler and a baby or even three children using 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 bike rides or day excursions where they might prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not prefer to ride in a buggy and can easily be tired and disgruntled on longer outings.

So, before you make the decision to buy a double tandem pushchair buggy at the time of birth, take some time to think about the above points and the specific circumstances of your family. Having a sturdy and reliable double stroller can simplify your life, especially if you need to travel through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.