What to Look For in a Double Travel Buggy
A side-byside double with an incredibly compact footprint (for narrow doors and public transport). Add seats or a carrycot (with adaptors) to increase the size of the frame for kids up to 50lbs per seat.
A fantastic budget double with rear and front suspensions to make light work of uneven surfaces, a huge storage basket and a padded handlebar for parents of different heights.
Size
In general double pushchair s are generally wider than single models - especially when they're side-by-side buggies like the Kolcraft Geo 3 and UPPAbaby Vista 2. This extra width lets them to accommodate larger children without straining their chassis. Other features that make them stand out: large pop-out canopies that have SPF 50 protection and peekaboo windows and swivel-lock front wheels that help navigate tight spaces like shopping aisles, a cup holder for one parent and a clever fold mechanism that is one-handed. The 10-inch wheels aren't designed for rough terrain, but they can handle city streets and theme park rides quite well.
In terms of cost, these types of lightweight buggies, which are side-by-side, are surprisingly affordable.
Weight
The lighter the double buggy, the easier it is to move and lift. The Joie Evalite Duo, which is the lightest of our lab tests, is an excellent option if weight is an issue. It's still loaded with many features, including an enormous pop-out canopy that has SPF50 and a peekaboo window as well as a quick-release folding mechanism that can be stowed flat in a matter of seconds with four-wheel suspension to handle rough terrain and a swivel wheels on the front that makes it easy to maneuver tight shops and supermarket aisles. It's also super-affordable at just more than PS1,000. It can also carry twins or a baby and toddler with the purchase of an additional'sidepack'.
Flexibility
A double buggy is a fantastic option for parents with twins, or even a toddler and baby. Narrow tandem buggies can be used to fit into small spaces. Side-by-side models enable you to keep the eye on your children and ensure their safety while you go to the supermarket or park. They also come with a wide variety of seat configurations, so you can adapt to your child's needs as they grow. Some have the option to add a ride-on board or car seat.
The Joie Evalite duo is a perfect example. It can fit two seats or a car seat and its adaptors for car seats let you change from a single seat to a double in a matter of seconds. It comes with a large pop-out canopy shade with UPF 50+ protection, adjustable legrests, and a peekaboo window in both seats. A standing fold is simple to make and quick.
The iCandy Peach tri-fold buggy is another option. Their slim frames are ideal for narrow aisles and doors, while they are able to accommodate twins or a baby and a big kid thanks to the addition of UPPAbaby's "PiggyBack board (which you buy separately). They come with a large basket and come with all the extras you might need, including rain covers and liners.
Tandem buggies are usually designed with your children sitting together. This makes them easier and more stable to push on uneven surfaces, however they can be a challenge to maneuver around and over kerbs. They have a larger footprint than a single-seater and may be too large to fit through doorways.
Comfort
One of the most comfortable and lightweight doubles we've tried, this buggy features elevated stadium-style seating for both seats so your children enjoy the view; nice-sized UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out; a padded toddler seat and add-on RumbleSeat, which has an adjustable leg and foot rests; and the cup holder that is single-parent. The seats can recline independently by pressing a lever beneath each seat. The testers also appreciate the fact that the straps can be secured and unfastened in one hand. The handle is simple to turn making it easy to fold. It can also be stored with the backrest raised to make it easy to access.
This is the perfect choice for families that want to expand with their children. It comes in 30 different configurations. It can accommodate twins or a toddler, as well as three children if you add an 'PiggyBack Board'. The spacious basket and the soft suspension make it suitable for kerbs, as as for use in cities. It's also reasonably priced. BabyGearLab recommends it for kids up to six years old.