What to Look For in a Double Travel Buggy
A compact side-by-side that has a small footprint (for use in public transport and narrow doorways). Add seats or a carrycot (with adaptors) to increase the size of the frame to accommodate children up to 50lbs per seat.
Budget double with back and front suspension for uneven surfaces. double pram and pushchair , padded handlebars, and large storage basket.
Size
In general double pushchairs are larger than single models - particularly when they're side by side buggies, like the Kolcraft Geo 3 and UPPAbaby Vista 2. The good news is that this extra width allows them to carry heavier kids without straining the chassis. Other features that make them stand out: large pop-out canopies that come with SPF 50 protection and peekaboo windows, swivel-lock front wheels to help navigate tight spaces like shopping aisles and a cup holder for one parent and a clever fold mechanism that can be operated by one hand. The 10-inch wheels are not built for rough terrain, but they can handle city streets and theme park rides quite well.
These buggies that are lightweight have surprisingly low price tags.
Weight
The lighter the double buggy the lighter it is, the easier it is to lift and maneuver. The Joie Evalite Duo is a good choice if you need to be aware of weight, since it's the lightest of our Lab tests but still offers plenty of features, such as nice-sized pop-out canopies that come with SPF 50 and windows that peek out as well as a quick-release fold which can be folded flat in a matter of seconds; four-wheel suspension that can cope with rough terrain; and a swivel front wheel that makes navigating tight aisles of supermarkets and shops effortless. With a price of just over P1,000 It's also a great value stroller. It can also carry twins or a baby and toddler with the purchase of an additional'sidepack'.
Flexibility
A well-designed double buggy will offer a huge amount of flexibility, whether you have twins or a baby and a toddler. Narrow tandem buggies are great for fitting through tight spaces, while side-by-side models ensure that your children are properly cared for and allow you to keep an eye on them as you go to the grocery store or park. Many also have a wide variety of seat configurations which allows you to alter them as your children grow. Some have the option to add a ride-on board or car seat.
The Joie Evalite duo is a perfect example. It can be used to hold two seats, or a car seat. The adaptors let you change from one seat to a double in just seconds. It also comes with a large pop-out UPF 50+ sunshade that can be used as a canopy, adjustable leg rests and peekaboo windows in both seats and a standing fold that's quick and easy to do using just one hand; and a top-quality suspension that can take care of rough terrain.
Tri-fold buggies such as the iCandy Peach are another versatile choice. Their slim frames are ideal to navigate narrow doors and aisles, while they can easily hold twins or a baby and an adult due to the addition of UPPAbaby's 'PiggyBack' board (which you can purchase separately). The basket is generous and includes all the accessories, such as raincovers and liner.
Tandem buggies are generally designed with your children seated together. This can make them easier and more stable to push on uneven surfaces, but they can be difficult to maneuver around and over kerbs. They have a bigger footprint than a single seater and can be too big to fit through doors.
Comfort
This is among the most comfortable and lightweight doubles that we have tested. It has a stadium-style seat on both seats, ensuring that your children can take in the view. It also comes with a large UPF 50+ canopy that has a peekaboo window, a padded toddler seat with an add-on RumbleSeat that has built-in adjustable foot and leg rests and an integrated cup holder for a single parent. Testers are awestruck by the way the seats recline independently by pressing the levers under each seat, and also say that the straps are easy to unfasten and fasten using just one hand. The handle is simple to turn, making it simple to fold. It also stores with the backrest up to make it easy to access.
With 30 different configurations (it'll carry twins as well as a toddler and baby or three kids with the addition of a "PiggyBack" board) it's a great option for families who are looking to expand with their child. Its spacious shopping basket and soft suspension mean it's good on kerbs and in the city too. It's also a great value. BabyGearLab recommends this for children up to the age of six.