What to Look For in a Double Travel Buggy
A side-byside double with a compact footprint (for narrow doors and public transport). Add seats or carrycots (with adaptors), to increase the frame's weight capacity for children up to 50 lbs.
A fantastic budget double with rear and front suspensions to make light work of uneven surfaces, a massive storage basket and padded handlebar for parents with different heights.
Size
In general double pushchairs are generally wider than single models, especially when they're side-by-side buggies, like the Kolcraft Geo 3 and UPPAbaby Vista 2. The good thing is that this extra width lets them to accommodate heavier children without straining the chassis. Other features that make them stand out: large pop-out canopies with SPF 50 protection and peekaboo windows, swivel-lock front wheels to aid in maneuvering 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 aren't built for rough terrain, but they are able to handle city streets and theme park rides 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 lighter it is, the easier it is to move and lift. The Joie Evalite Duo is a good choice if you need to be cognizant of weight, as it's the lightest in our Lab tests, but it still has plenty of features, such as nice-sized pop-out canopies that come with SPF 50 and peekaboo windows; a quick-release fold that can be folded flat in a matter of seconds; four-wheel suspension to take on rough terrain and an swivel front wheel that makes navigating tight shops and supermarket aisles simple. It's also super-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 double buggy that is well-designed will provide a great deal 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 will keep your children well-cared for and will help you keep an eye on them as you go to the grocery store or park. They also come with a wide selection of seating options that allow you to modify them as your children grow, and some even come with the option of adding an extra ride-on board or car seat.
The Joie Evalite Duo is a perfect example. It can accommodate two seats or a car seat and its adaptors that are easy to use let you change from a single to a double in just a few seconds. It also comes with a spacious pop-out UPF 50+ sunshade canopy, adjustable leg rests and peekaboo windows in both seats and a standing fold that's simple and easy to perform with just one hand; and a premium suspension that makes light work of rough terrain.
The iCandy Peach tri-fold buggy is another alternative. They are great for navigating narrow aisles and doors. They can also easily accommodate twins or a child and a larger child with the addition of UPPAbaby's"PiggyBack" board (which is available separately). The basket is large and comes with all the extras like raincovers and liner.
Tandem buggies typically have children seated side-by-side, which makes them easier to push and more robust on uneven surfaces but they can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. They typically have a bigger footprint than a single-seater pushchair, and can be a bit long to pass through doors.
Comfort
This is among the most comfortable, lightweight doubles that we have tested. It has a stadium-style seat on both seats, which means your children can take in the view. It also features a large UPF 50+ canopy with a windows that peek out, a padded toddler seat with an additional RumbleSeat that comes with built-in, adjustable foot and leg rests as well as a cup holder for a single parent. The seats recline independently by pressing a lever beneath each seat. The testers also appreciate the fact that the straps can be fastened or removed with just one hand. The handle is simple to twist and makes it easy to fold. It also stores with the backrest raised to make it easy to access.
With double pram pushchair (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 option for families who are looking to expand with their child. The spacious basket and soft suspension make it ideal for kerbs as well as for use in cities. It's also reasonably priced. BabyGearLab recommends it to children from 6 to 12 years old.