Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

There are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy 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 investment for families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins through to toddlers. It's light and easy to maneuver and can tackle difficult terrain with ease.

What style of buggy do you prefer?

Double buggys are ideal for transporting two children at once even if they're not the same age. They can be used as prams and come with recline mechanisms within each seat, allowing your children can lie down in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They're usually lightweight, easy to fold and compact enough to fit in your car boot. If you travel a lot amount, it's essential to check that the buggy can be easily moved with the folded wheels in your boot and taken out.

You might have seen this type of double buggy on other mums strollers or even in one as a kid. They're great for twins or older siblings who want to keep up with you. They also come in various seating options and styles, including 'cinema chairs'. They're usually pretty easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, they can be a breeze to get rid of kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are easier to turn than side-by sides, are also popular. This is because the second seat is positioned behind the first, rather than on top of it. The seats are generally larger and heavier than a side-by-side and you must ensure that they will fit through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three kids with the inclusion of a buggy board.

Lastly there are the'single-to-double stroller sale' 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 double buggy buggies and side-by-side buggies, however they provide the flexibility of a single buggie and have a high selling price. They're generally easy to steer, have an enormous storage basket and can cope well on uneven surfaces. Some models come with a built-in ride-on boards for older children and 'cinema chairs'.

Do you have twins?

Double buggys are the best method of transporting your children, regardless of whether they are twins or older siblings. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies, where one child sits above the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies are ablefor every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your children you may be able to get by with a single stroller and certain attachments such as toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child around on their back or in front of you.

There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are placed in a row, so that your children can see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single to double pushchair pushchair and can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies provide an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and another in the rear, but they can still be long and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to transform a single stroller into double buggy by attaching a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This allows you to keep your infant snuggled safely in their car seat until they're ready to transition into the main buggy seat. The Uppababy V2 is an excellent example of this - it can be used with twins, a toddler and one or more children with the option of a PiggyBack Board.

Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day excursions where they prefer to walk. It's important to keep in mind that they may not always desire to be in a buggy and can easily become disgruntled and tired on longer outings.

Before you purchase a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above and your family's unique circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify life especially if you need to travel through busy streets or crowded shopping centres.