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Buying a Double Buggy From Birth

When choosing the perfect double buggy, there are plenty 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 families with active children, this buggy grows with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight double pushchair and has great maneuverability and is able to tackle uneven terrain easily.

What type of buggy would you prefer?

Double buggys are great for transporting up to two children at the same time even if they're not the same age. They can also be used as prams and have a reclining mechanism in each seat, so your children can lie down in different positions. Many have ample storage for everything from snacks and drinks to wipes and nappies. They're typically lightweight, fold easily and 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 maneuverability using 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 ridden in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings that want to keep up with you or for twins. They typically come with numerous seating configurations (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to pick from. They're generally easy to steer and, if you go for a model with a soft suspension, you can make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are simpler to turn than side-by-sides are also very popular. This is because the second seat sits behind the first one, rather than over it. They're generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be a bit bulky when folded, so it's important to check they'll be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used to transport twins, a baby and toddler 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 twin from birth then convert to a cheap double stroller by attaching a second seat, carrycot or car seat to their clever frame. They are generally more expensive than side by sides or tandem buggies but offer lots of versatility and a good resale value. They are easy to steer and have large storage bins. They are also able to handle uneven surfaces. Some even have an integrated ride-on board that can be used as cinema seating for your older child.

Do you have twins?

If your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggie is the best option to transport them around. There are two types of double buggies: tandem buggies, which have one child sitting over the other, and side-byside buggies. Both buggies can be fitted with two fixed seats. However side-by-side buggies are smaller to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be wider in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot and toddler seats.

Do you have children?

At beginning having a younger sibling may seem like an overwhelming amount of responsibility, especially if you are also caring for the baby. They may also feel left out when they are in a baby carrier while you push the older one to the side and having a double buggy from birth can make everything easier. It will also give your child the feeling of pride that comes with knowing that they are able to be 'big brother or sister' and help them settle into their new role.

Side-by-side buggies can be a great choice for twins, since both children will have the same view. However they're heavy and heavy. We like the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE by Leclerc that features an innovative frame that opens widthways to take two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, including using the second seat as a bassinet or infant carrier.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer to families who love to explore. This clever buggy can start as an individual pushchair, but can be converted into a double by adding the place of a second seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it has lots of clever features that will keep everyone happy.

Do you require a business travel system?

Nipper double Buggy buggies are ideal to transport your children around in comfort however they're not a necessary purchase for every family. You may be able use one stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby carriers and toddler straps that allow your child and you to travel on their backs or in the front.

There are three kinds of double buggies: tandem, side-by-side and convertible. The two seats are placed side-by-side, so your children will be able to see one another. However, they are generally larger than a single pushchair, and can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. Tandem buggies provide a more compact twin stroller alternative, with a single seat in the front and a second in the rear, but they are still large and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies permit you to transform one stroller into a double buggy by securing a bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. You can keep your child in the car seat until she is ready to move into the buggy seat. The UPPAbaby V2 is a good illustration - it could be used with twins, a toddler and one or more children using the option of a PiggyBack Board.

If your children have grown older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or day trips where they'd prefer walking. It's important to keep in mind that they may not desire to be in a buggy and can easily get tired and angry when they are on longer excursions.

Before you invest in a double stroller, take into consideration the factors above and your family's specific circumstances. A durable and reliable double buggy will make life easier, particularly when you have to navigate through busy streets or overcrowded malls.