9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Double Buggy From Birth

Buying a double buggy from birth (Source)

When you are deciding on the perfect double buggy, there are plenty of things to consider. 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 purchase for families with active children This buggy can grow with your family from twins to toddlers. It's lightweight with great maneuverability and can maneuver through uneven terrain easily.

What kind of buggy do you want?

Double buggys are ideal for transporting up to two children at once, even if they are not of the same age. They can be used as prams and come with a reclining mechanism within each seat, allowing your children can sit or lie down in various positions. Many of them also have plenty of storage space to store everything from drinks and snacks to wipes and nappies. They're usually lightweight they fold easily and are compact enough to fit in the car boot. If you drive a lot it's worth checking the buggy's ease of use with the wheels folded as well as to get it out and into your car boot.

You may have seen this type of double buggy on other mums' strollers or even ridden in one as a kid. They are ideal for older siblings who want to keep up with you, or for twins and typically have numerous seating options (including "cinema" seats) for your toddlers to choose from. They're generally 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 are also a popular choice as they're typically more maneuverable than a side-by-side. This is because the second seat sits behind the first rather than over it. The seats are generally wider and bulkier than a traditional side by side, so you should check whether they are able to pass through doors or on public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three children with the inclusion of a buggy board.

Lastly there are the'single double stroller-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 tend to be more expensive than side-by-sides and tandem buggies but offer lots 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 even have an integrated ride-on board that can be used as 'cinema seating' for your older child.

Do you have twins?

Whether your children are twins or siblings with different age groups, a double buggy is the best option to transport them around. There are two kinds of double buggies: tandem buggies which have one child sitting above the other, and side-by-side buggies. Both buggies can accommodate two fixed seats. However, side-by-side buggies are narrower to fit through doors. Tandems tend to be larger in general. They can also accommodate a carrycot as well as a toddler seat.

Do you have children?

At beginning, having a younger sibling may feel like a lot of responsibility especially if you're caring for the baby. A double buggy can also allow children to feel included when you put them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It can also give your child a sense of pride as they get to be "big brother or sister" and help them settle into their role.

The side-by-side double pushchair buggies can be a good option for twins, since both children will share the same view. However, they are bulky and heavy. We love the sleek B-AGILE DOUBLE from Leclerc which has an innovative frame that opens in width to accommodate two seats fixed and provides various configuration options, such as the second seat being used as a bassinet or infant carrier.

We recommend the Mountain Buggy double pushchair from birth Trailblazer to active families who like to explore. This buggy is clever and can start off as a single pushchair but can be converted into a double, which can include an additional seat, carrycot or car seat (depending on the model). Its smooth ride is perfect for rough terrain and it has lots of thoughtful features to ensure that everyone is happy.

Do you require a travel system?

Double buggies can be an excellent way to transport your children in a comfortable way. However, they are not necessary for every family. Depending on your lifestyle and the age gap between your kids you might be able to do using a single stroller with some attachments like toddler harnesses and baby carriers which allow you to transport your child around on their back or in front of you.

If you choose to purchase a double buggy, there are three types to choose from: side-by-side, tandem and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have two seats positioned near each other, which means your children will be able see each other. However, they tend to be wider than a single pushchair, and are difficult to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies offer a more compact alternative, with a single seat in the front and one in the rear, but they can be still quite heavy and long to push.

Convertible double single pushchair buggies allow you to transform one stroller into lightest double stroller buggy by attaching the bassinet or infant car seat to the frame. This way, you can keep your baby in their car seat until they're ready for a move into the main buggy seat. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an excellent illustration of this. It's suitable for twins, a baby and toddler or even three children with the the optional PiggyBack board.

When your children are older and have more stamina, a double buggy can be used to accompany them on bike rides or other day trips where they'd prefer to walk. However, it's worth remembering that they may not want to be in a buggy and could easily get tired and angry on longer outings.

Before you decide to purchase a double stroller, think about the factors mentioned above and your family's unique circumstances. Having a solid and reliable double stroller can simplify life particularly if you have to travel through busy streets or bustling shopping centres.