What to Look For in a
Double Travel BuggyA side-byside
best compact double stroller with small footprint (for narrow entrances and public transport). Add seats or carrycots (with adaptors) to make the frame more sturdy for children weighing up to 50lbs.
A fantastic budget
compact double stroller that has rear and front suspension to make light work of uneven surfaces, a large storage basket and a padded handlebar for parents of different heights.
Size
In general double pushchairs are larger than single models, especially when they're side by side buggies, like the Kolcraft Geo 3 and UPPAbaby Vista 2. This extra width allows them to carry heavier children without straining their chassis. Other features make them stand out: large pop-out canopy that have SPF 50 protection, as well as peekaboo windows, swivel-lock front wheels to help navigate tight spaces like shopping aisles and a cup holder for one parent and a smart fold mechanism that can be operated by one hand. The 10-inch wheels are not built for rough terrain but can handle city streets and theme park rides quite well.
In terms of cost, these types of lightweight buggies that are side-by-side are quite affordable.
Weight
The heavier the double buggy, the easier it is to lift and maneuver. The Joie Evalite Duo is a great option 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 canopy with SPF 50 and peekaboo windows as well as a quick-release fold which stows flat within minutes; four-wheel suspension to take on rough terrain and a swivel front wheel that makes navigating tight shops and supermarket aisles easy. It's also 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 good double buggy will offer a huge amount of flexibility, regardless if you have twins or an infant and a toddler. Buggies with narrow tandems are ideal for fitting through narrow spaces, while side by side models will keep your children well-cared for and help you to keep an eye on them while you navigate the supermarket or park. They also come with a wide selection of seating options, so you can adapt them as your children grow. Some have the option to add a ride-on board or car seat.
The Joie Evalite Duo is a fantastic example. It can be used to support two seats or a car seat. The adaptors make it easy to convert one seat to a double seat in a matter of seconds. It comes with a huge pop-out canopy sunshade with UPF 50+ protection, adjustable legrests and a the window that peeks out from both seats. A standing fold is simple to perform and fast.
Tri-fold buggies, such as the iCandy Peach are another versatile choice. They are great to navigate narrow aisles and doors. They also can easily accommodate twins and a large kid with the addition of UPPAbaby’s ‘PiggyBack’ board (which is sold separately). They offer a generous basket and come with all the accessories you may need, including liners and rain covers.
Tandem buggies are usually designed with your children seated together. This makes them easier and more stable to push on uneven surfaces, but they can be difficult to maneuver around and over kerbs. They usually have a wider footprint than a single-seater pushchair and may be a bit too long to get through doors.
Comfort
This is among the most comfortable lightweight doubles we've examined. It features stadium-style seating on both seats, which means your children can enjoy the view. It also has a large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out, a cushioned toddler seat that includes an RumbleSeat with built-in, adjustable foot and leg rests, as well as a cup holder for a single parent. Testers are awestruck by the way that the seats recline by pushing the levers under each seat, and say that the straps are simple to unfasten and fasten using just one hand. The handle is easy to turn, making it simple to fold. It can also be stored with the backrest raised for easy access.
With 30 different configurations (it'll accommodate twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids with the addition of a 'PiggyBack' Board) it's a great option for families that are looking to expand with their child. Its spacious shopping basket and soft suspension mean it's good on streets and in cities too. It's also a great value. BabyGearLab recommends it for kids between the ages of 6 and 6.