What to Look For in a Double Travel Buggy
A side-byside double with a compact footprint (for narrow doorways and on public transport). Add seats or a carrycot (with adaptors) to increase the size of the frame for kids up to 50 pounds per seat.
Budget double with back and front suspension for uneven surfaces. Large storage basket, padded handlebars and large storage basket.
Size
best twin stroller are generally wider than single ones, particularly when they are side-byside buggies, such as the Kolcraft Geo 3 or UPPAbaby. The good thing is that this extra width enables them to carry heavier kids without straining the chassis. They also have other key features that make them stand out, such as large pop-out canopy sizes with SPF 50 and peekaboo windows; swivel lock front wheels which help navigate narrow spots such as shopping aisles; cup holders for one parent and a smart fold mechanism that is able to be completed with one hand; and 10-inch back wheels that aren't made for rough terrain, but can handle city streets and theme parks fairly well.
These lightweight side-by-side buggies come with surprisingly low prices.
Weight
The lighter the double buggy the more easy it is to lift and maneuver. The Joie Evalite Duo, which is the most lightweight of our Lab tests, is an excellent option if weight is an issue. It's still loaded with many features, including the large pop-out canopy, SPF50 and a peekaboo windows, a quick-release folding system that can be stowed flat in a matter of seconds, four-wheel suspension for rough terrain, and a swivel wheel on the front, which makes it easy to maneuver tight shops and supermarket aisles. It's also extremely affordable at 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 great option for parents with twins, or even a toddler and a baby. Narrow tandem buggies can be used to squeeze into small spaces. Side-by-side models allow you to keep track of your children and keep them safe while you are navigating the park or shopping. Many have a variety of seat configurations so you can alter them as your child grows. Some allow you to add an automobile seat or ride-on board.
The Joie Evalite Duo is a perfect example. It can accommodate two seats or a car seat, and its adaptors for car seats allow you to change from a single seat to a double in a matter of seconds. It has a large pop-out canopy sunshade that has UPF 50+ protection, adjustable legrests and peekaboo window in both seats. A standing fold is simple to perform and fast.
The iCandy Peach tri-fold buggy is another option. Their slim frames are ideal for negotiating narrow doors and aisles, while they are able to accommodate twins or even a baby and a big kid thanks to the addition of UPPAbaby's "PiggyBack board (which is available separately). They provide a spacious basket and include all the accessories you could require, such as liners and rain covers.
Tandem buggies are usually designed with your children seated side-by-side. This makes them easier and more stable to push on uneven surfaces, but they can be a challenge to maneuver over and up kerbs. They usually have a wider footprint than a single-seater pushchair and can be a bit long for getting through doors.
Comfort
This is one of the most comfortable and lightweight doubles we've examined. It has a stadium-style seat on both seats, which means your children can enjoy the view. It also comes with an enormous UPF 50+ canopy that has a the peek-a-boo window, and an upholstered toddler seat with an RumbleSeat with built-in, adjustable foot and leg rests as well as a cup holder for one parent. The seats can recline independently by pressing a lever under each seat. Testers love the fact that the straps can be secured and removed with just one hand. It's also a doddle to fold, with a twist mechanism on the handle that makes it as easy as could be and also stores with the backrest upright for easy access.
With 30 different configurations (it'll accommodate twins as well as a toddler and baby or three kids with the addition of a 'PiggyBack' board) this is a fantastic option for families who are looking to expand with their child. Its spacious shopping basket as well as soft suspension mean it's good on roads and in cities too. It's also a great value. BabyGearLab recommends it to children up to six years old.