Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

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

This buggy is a must-have for active families. It will grow with your family from toddlers to twins. It's lightweight with great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain with ease.

What kind 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 also serve as prams, and they have a reclining mechanism within each seat, allowing your children can lay down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. Often they're lightweight, fold up easily and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the folded wheels as well as to get it in and out of your boot.

You might have seen this kind 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 up with you. They also come in various seating options, including 'cinema seats'. They are generally easy to control, and if opt for a model with a soft suspension, they can easily handle the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by-sides are also popular. The second seat is positioned behind the first and not on the top. They're typically wider than a side-by-side and can be bulky when folded, which is why it's essential to make sure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a toddler and three children, with the addition of an additional 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're more expensive than tandem buggies or side-by-side buggies, but they offer the flexibility of a single buggie and come with a premium cost of resale. They're generally easy to steer, have a huge storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some models even come with an integrated ride-on board that can be used as cinema seating for your child's older.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the best double stroller method to transport your children, no matter if they are twins or older siblings. There are two main kinds of double buggy - side-by-side buggies where your children are seated side by side, and tandem buggies where one child is higher than 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 are generally larger overall. They can also accommodate both an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have one?

Being a parent to a child can feel like quite an overwhelming responsibility at first, especially when you must tend to the baby. A double buggy can also make it easier for children to feel included when you place them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with a sense of pride as they become a 'big brother or sister' and help them settle into their new role.

Double buggies that are side-by-side are often considered the best option 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 compact double buggy with a unique frame which expands widthways and can accommodate two fixed seats. It also provides a variety of configuration options such as using the second seat to create a bassinet.

Alternatively, strollers double strollers we recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for families that love to explore. This clever buggy can start with an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double by adding a second seat, a carrycot or a car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain, and it comes with many thoughtful features that are sure to keep everyone content.

Do you require a traveling system?

Double buggies can be an ideal way to move your children in a comfortable way. However, they are not necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle, and the age gap between your children you may be able to do with a single stroller and some attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child on their backs or in front of you.

If you decide to go with a double buggy there are three kinds to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats that are close to each other, which means your children can see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies are compact that has one seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be quite heavy and long to push.

Convertible cheap double pushchair buggies are fantastic as they allow you to transform your single stroller into an additional buggy by attaching an infant car seat or bassinet 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 great illustration of this. It's suitable for twins or a toddler and baby or even three kids with the the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children get older and more able and able, you can get a double buggy to accompany them on bicycle rides or for day trips where they might prefer walking. However, it's worth remembering that they might not always prefer to ride in a buggy, and they could easily be tired and disgruntled on longer outings.

So, before you make the decision to buy a double buggy at the time of birth, take some time to consider the above factors and your family's specific circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller will simplify your life especially if you need to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded shopping centers.