There are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect double buggy from the time of birth. 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 for families with active children This buggy can grow with your family from twins through to toddlers. It’s lightweight with great manoeuvrability and can tackle difficult terrain with ease.

What type of buggy do you want?

Double buggys are perfect for transporting two children at once even if they’re not the same age. They can also be used as prams and come with the ability to recline within each seat, allowing your children can lie down in various positions. A lot of them have plenty of storage space for everything from drinks and snacks to nappies and wipes. They’re usually lightweight that folds easily and are compact twin stroller enough to fit in your car’s boot. If you drive a lot it’s worth checking the buggy is easy to manoeuvre with the wheels folded and also to get in and out of your car boot.

The most popular type of double buggy is the side-by-side, which you’ve probably seen on other mums’ pushchairs or even rode in as a child yourself. They’re ideal for twins who are older or who want to keep up with you. They also come in a variety of seating configurations, including ‘cinema seats’. They’re usually easy to steer and, if you opt for a model with a soft suspension, make light work of kerbs.

Tandem buggies, which are more simple to turn than side-by sides, are also popular. This is due to the fact that the second seat is positioned behind the first instead of over it. They’re generally larger than a side-by-side, and can be bulky when folded, which is why it’s essential to make sure they be able to pass through doors and public transport. They can be used for twins or a toddler and baby or three children with the addition of a 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, however they provide a lot of flexibility and a very high selling price. They are easy to steer and have an ample storage basket. They can also handle uneven surfaces. Some even have built-in ride-on boards and “cinema seating” for your child’s older.

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 types of double buggy: side-byside buggies that let your children sit and stand double stroller together and tandem buggies in which one child is higher than the other. 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 be able to accommodate an infant seat and a carrycot.

Do you have one?

A younger sibling can feel like quite a big responsibility initially, particularly when you have to tend to the infant. A double buggy can also allow them to feel a sense of belonging if you place them in a baby carrier and push the older child. It will also help your child get into their new role of big brother or sister’.

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

If you prefer, we suggest the Mountain Buggy Double Trailblazer for active families who like to explore. This clever buggy is a single pushchair that can be converted into a double by adding a second seat or carrycot (depending on model). Its super-smooth ride is ideal for rough terrain and it has lots of thoughtful features to keep everyone comfortable.

Do you need a travel system?

Double buggies are great for bringing your kids around in comfort but they’re not the ideal purchase for every family. You may be able get by with just one stroller, with a few attachments, such as baby straps and toddler carriers that permit you and your child to travel on their backs or in the front.

There are three different types of double buggies: tandem double buggy, side-by-side, and convertible. Side-by-side buggies have the two seats close to each other, so your children will be able to see each other. However, these tend to be wider than a single pushchair and can be tricky to maneuver between kerbs. Tandem buggies offer an alternative that is smaller, with a seat in the front and another in the rear, however they are still large and heavy to push.

Convertible double buggies are great as they allow you to transform your stroller into a dual buggy by simply attaching an infant car seat or bassinet to the frame. You can leave your child in the car seat until he/she is ready to step up into the buggy seat. The UPPababy V2 is a great illustration – it could be used with twins or a toddler, one or more children with the optional PiggyBack Board.

Once your children are older and have more endurance, a double buggy can also be used to accompany them on bicycle rides or 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 they could easily get tired and angry on longer outings.

Before you purchase a double stroller, think about the factors above and your family’s specific circumstances. A sturdy and reliable double buggy can make your life simpler, especially when you are required to navigate busy streets or overcrowded malls.