What to Look For in a Double Travel Buggy
A side-byside double with an incredibly compact footprint (for narrow doorways and on public transport). Add seats or carrycots (with adaptors), to increase the frame's capacity for weight for children up to 50 pounds.
Budget double with suspension for the front and back for uneven surfaces. Large storage basket, padded handlebars and large storage basket.
Size
Double pushchairs tend to be larger than single ones, especially when they are side-by-side buggies like the Kolcraft Geo 3 or UPPAbaby. The good news is that this extra width allows them to accommodate heavier children without straining the chassis. They also have other important characteristics that make them stand out, like spacious pop-out canopies that come with SPF 50 and peekaboo windows; swivel lock front wheels which help navigate narrow spots like shopping aisles cup holders for one parent and the clever fold mechanism that can be operated with one hand; and 10-inch back wheels that aren't made for rough terrain but can are able to handle city streets and theme parks quite well.
In terms of price tags they are surprisingly affordable. These types of light, side-by-side buggies are surprisingly affordable.
Weight
The lighter the double buggy the more easy it is to move and lift. The Joie Evalite Duo is a great option if you need to be mindful of weight, as it's the lightest in our Lab tests, but it still has plenty of features, including large pop-out canopies that come with SPF 50 and windows that peek out and a quick-release fold that can be folded flat in a matter of minutes; four-wheel suspension to take on rough terrain and an adjustable front wheel that makes getting around tight aisles of supermarkets and shops easy. It's also super-affordable at just over PS1,000. 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 two toddlers or a baby. Buggies with narrow tandems are ideal for fitting through tight spaces, while side-byside models ensure that your children are properly cared for and will help you keep your eyes on them as you navigate the supermarket or park. There are many buggies that come with a range of seat configurations that allow you to modify to your child's needs as they develop, and some offer the option of adding an extra ride-on board or car seat.
The Joie Evalite Duo is a great example. It can be used to support two seats or a car seat. The adaptors allow you to change from one seat to a double in merely seconds. It also has a nice-sized pop-out UPF 50+ sunshade that can be used as a canopy with adjustable leg rests as well as peekaboo windows in both seats and an easy standing fold that is quick and easy to do with just one hand; and a top-quality suspension that makes light work of rough terrain.
The iCandy Peach tri-fold buggy is another option. Their slim frames are ideal to navigate narrow aisles and doors, while they can easily hold twins or a baby and an adult due to the addition of UPPAbaby's 'PiggyBack' board (which you buy separately). The basket is large and includes all the accessories, such as raincovers and liners.
Tandem buggies are typically designed with your children sitting close to each other. This can make them easier and more stable to push on uneven surfaces, but they can be a challenge to maneuver over and up kerbs. They have a larger footprint than a single-seater and may be too large to pass through doorways.
Comfort
This is one of the most comfortable lightweight doubles we've tested. double pram and pushchair has stadium-style seating on both seats, so your children can enjoy the view. It also has a large UPF 50+ canopy with a windows that peek out, an upholstered toddler seat with an additional RumbleSeat that comes with built-in adjustable foot and leg rests and cups holder for one parent. The seats recline independently by pressing a lever beneath each seat. Testers also love how the straps can be fastened and removed with just one hand. The handle is simple to turn, making it simple to fold. It can also be put away with the backrest up for easy access.
With 30 different configurations (it'll carry twins as well as a toddler and baby or three kids if you add the option of a 'PiggyBack' Board) it's a great option for families who want to be able to grow with their child. Its spacious shopping basket and soft suspension make it suitable on kerbs and in the city too. It is also very affordable. BabyGearLab recommends it for children between the ages of 6 and 6.