What to Look For in a Double Travel Buggy
A side-byside double with small footprint (for narrow entrances and public transport). Add carrycots or seats (with adaptors), to increase the frame's capacity for weight for children up to 50 lbs.
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 more spacious than single ones, especially when they are side-by-side buggies such as the Kolcraft Geo 3 or UPPAbaby. The good news is that this extra width lets them to carry heavier kids without straining the chassis. Other features make them stand out: large pop-out umbrellas with SPF 50 protection and peekaboo windows with swivel lock front wheels to assist in navigating tight spaces such as shopping aisles, a cup holder for one parent and a smart fold mechanism that operates with one hand. 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 kinds of lightweight, side-by-side buggies are surprisingly affordable.
Weight
The heavier the double buggy the lighter it is, the easier it is to lift and maneuver. The Joie Evalite Duo, which is the lightest of our lab tests, is an excellent choice if weight is an issue. It's got plenty of features including the large pop-out canopy, SPF50 and a peekaboo window, a quick-release folding system that can be stowed flat in seconds, four-wheel suspension for rough terrain, and a swivel wheel on the front that makes it easy to navigate narrow aisles in supermarkets and shops. It's also extremely affordable at over a thousand dollars. 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 are great for fitting through tight spaces, while side-byside models will keep your children well-cared for and allow you to keep an eye on them while you navigate the supermarket or the park. Many also have a wide range of seat configurations, so you can adapt to your child's needs as they grow. Some offer the option of adding a ride-on board or car seat.
The Joie Evalite duo is a great illustration. It can be used to hold two seats, or a car-seat. The adaptors allow you to convert one seat to a double in just minutes. It has a large pop-out canopy shade with UPF 50+ protection, adjustable legrests and a windows that peek out in both seats. A standing fold is easy to perform and fast.
Tri-fold buggies like the iCandy Peach are another versatile option. They are ideal for narrow doors and aisles. They can also easily accommodate twins and a large kid with the addition of UPPAbaby’s ‘PiggyBack’ board (which is sold separately). They come with a large basket and include all the extras you might need, including rain covers and liners.
Tandem buggies are typically designed with your children seated together. This makes them easier and more stable to push on uneven surfaces, however they can be difficult to maneuver around and over kerbs. off road double buggy have a bigger footprint than a one-seater and can be too large to fit through doorways.
Comfort
This is among the most comfortable and lightweight doubles that we have test. It features stadium-style seating on both seats, ensuring that your children can take in the view. It also has a large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out, a padded toddler seat with an RumbleSeat with built-in adjustable leg and foot rests and a cup holder for a single parent. The seats can recline independently by pressing a lever underneath each seat. Testers love the fact that the straps can be secured and removed with just one hand. The handle is simple to turn, making it simple to fold. It can also be stored by putting the backrest up to make it easy to access.
With 30 different configurations (it'll carry twins or a toddler and a baby or three kids if you add the option of a 'PiggyBack' board) it's a great choice for families who are looking to expand with their child. Its spacious shopping basket as well as soft suspension makes it ideal on kerbs and in the city too. It's also a great value. BabyGearLab recommends it for children from 6 to 12 years old.