Buying a double buggy from birth (www.zhzmsp.com)

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

A must-have purchase for active families, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It is lightweight and movable, and can handle uneven terrain easily.

What type of buggy do you prefer?

double pushchairs buggys are ideal for transporting up to two children at the same time, even if they are not of the same age. They can also function as prams. Each seat has an adjustable mechanism that allows your children can sit or lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, fold easily and small double stroller enough to fit into your car boot. If you drive a great amount, you should make sure that the buggy be easily pushed around with the wheels folded in your car boot, and then removed.

You may have seen this kind of double buggy on other moms' strollers or even ridden in one as a child. They're ideal for twins or older siblings who want to keep pace with you. They also come in various seating options, including 'cinema seats'. They're generally easy to steer and, if you opt for a model that has soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies are a popular option because they're easier to turn than a side-by-side. This is because the second seat sits behind the first rather than over it. They're generally bigger than a side-byside and can be heavy when folded, so it's crucial to ensure they fit through doors and on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and a 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 compact double stroller 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 double buggy buggies, but they offer a lot of flexibility and have a great return on investment. They're generally easy to steer, come with large storage bins and can handle uneven surfaces. Some have a built in ride-on board for older children and 'cinema seats'.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins orugh terrain and includes a number of clever features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require a business travel system?

Double buggies are a great way to transport your children in comfort. However they aren't necessary 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 let you carry your child around on their back or in front of you.

There are three types of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. Side-by-side buggies come with two seats that are close to each other, so your children can see each one another. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. Tandem buggies are small, with one seat at the front and a back seat. However they can be heavy and long to push.

Convertible double buggies allow you to transform a single stroller into a double buggy by securing a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your baby comfortably in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good illustration - it could be used for twins as well as a toddler and a baby or even three children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.

When your children are older and have more endurance, a double-buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that your kids may not always enjoy being in a stroller and could become tired and disgruntled when they are on longer excursions.

So, before you decide to purchase a double buggy from birth, take some time to take a look at the above factors and the specific circumstances of your family. A solid and reliable double stroller will make life much easier, especially if you need to travel through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.