Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

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

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

What type of buggy would you prefer?

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 have recline mechanisms within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lay down in various positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to nappies and wipes. They are often lightweight, fold easily, and small enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a great amount, it's essential to check that the buggy can be easily moved with the wheels folded in your boot and taken out.

The most common type of cheap double pushchair buggy is the side-byside one, which you've probably seen on other mums pushchairs or even ridden in as a child. They're ideal for older siblings or twins who want to keep pace with you. They are also available in a variety of seating configurations and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They are generally easy to navigate, and if you select a model that has a soft suspension, they can easily navigate the kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by sides, are also popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first one, instead of sitting on top of it. The seats are usually larger and heavier than a traditional side by side however, so make sure whether they are able to pass 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 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're more expensive than tandem buggies and side-by-side buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and come with a premium cost of resale. They're generally easy to steer, come with an enormous storage basket and can handle uneven surfaces. Some come with a built-in ride-on board for children older than and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the most efficient method of transporting your children, whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child is seated above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both can be fitted with two fixed seats, but side-by-side buggies tend to be narrower in width for getting through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot or toddler seat.

Do you have a child?

A younger sibling can feel like quite a big responsibility initially, particularly when you need to be attentive to the infant. A double buggy can help them to feel a sense of belonging if you put them in an infant carrier and push the older child. It will also provide your child with an immense sense of pride when they get to be 'big brother or sister' and help them adjust to their new role.

Side-by-side double buggies are often considered to be the best choice for twins as they allow both children to have the same view, however they can be heavy and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that expands the width to accommodate two fixed seats and offers various configuration options, including using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who are active and love to explore. This clever buggy can start with a single pushchair and is then convertible into a double, taking the place of a second seat or carrycot, or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and comes with a variety of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require an effective business travel system?

Double buggies are great 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 children you may be able to make do with just a single stroller and some attachments like baby carriers and toddler harnesses that allow you to ferry your child on their back or in front of you.

If you do opt for a double seat stroller buggy, there are three types to choose from: side by side or tandem, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats that are next to each other, so your children will be able see each one another. They are wider than a single stroller, and can be difficult to maneuver over kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can be still quite heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to convert a single stroller into a strollers double strollers buggy by securing a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. It is possible to keep your baby in the car seat until is able to climb into the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great example of this - it can be used with twins, a toddler and an infant, or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.

If your children have grown older and have more endurance, a double buggy that converts to single-buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day excursions where they prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not always want to be in a buggy and can easily be tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.

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