What to Look For in a Double Travel Buggy
A compact side-by-side with a small footprint (for use in public transport and narrow doors). Add seats or a carrycot (with adaptors) to increase the size of the frame for kids up to 50 lbs per seat.
Budget double stroller with bassinet with suspension for the front and back for uneven surfaces. Large storage basket, padded handlebars and large storage basket.
Size
In general double pushchairs are larger than single models – particularly 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. They also come with other key features that help them stand out, including generously-sized pop-out canopies with SPF 50 and peekaboo windows and swivel lock front wheels which help navigate narrow spots such as shopping aisles; cup holders for one parent and the clever fold mechanism that is able to be completed with one hand; and 10-inch back wheels that aren’t made for tough terrain but handle city streets and theme parks fairly well.
In terms of price tags, these types of lightweight buggies, which are side-by-side, are surprisingly affordable.
Weight
The heavier a double buggy is, the easier it is to lift and maneuver. The Joie Evalite Duo is a good choice if you need to be cognizant of weight. It’s the lightest in our Lab tests. However, it offers a wide range of features, including large pop-out canopies with SPF 50 and windows that peek out; a quick-release fold that folds flat in just a few seconds; four-wheel suspension to take on rough terrain and a swivel front wheel that makes maneuvering narrow aisles in supermarkets and shops effortless. It’s priced at just over $1000 is a very affordable stroller. It can also carry twins or a baby and toddler with the purchase of an additional’sidepack’.
Flexibility
A double car seat stroller buggy is an excellent option for parents with twins or even a baby and toddler. The narrow tandem buggies are ideal for fitting through narrow spaces, while side by side models will keep your children well-cared for and allow you to keep your eyes on them as you travel around the supermarket or park. There are a variety of seat configurations so you can adjust them as your child develops. Some allow you to add a car 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 that are easy to use permit you to switch from single to cheap double pushchair in a matter of seconds. It also comes with a large pop-out UPF 50+ sunshade canopy, adjustable leg rests and peekaboo windows in both seats and a standing fold that’s quick and easy to do with one hand; and a premium suspension that can take care of rough terrain.
The iCandy Peach tri-fold buggy is another alternative. Their slim frames are perfect to navigate narrow aisles and doors while they are able to accommodate twins, a baby or an adult due to the addition of UPPAbaby’s “PiggyBack’ board (which you can purchase separately). They provide a spacious basket and include all the extras you might require, such as liners and rain covers.
Tandem buggies are typically made with your kids sitting close to each other. This can make them more stable and easy to push on uneven surfaces, but they can be a challenge to maneuver around and over kerbs. They usually have a wider footprint than a single-seater pushchair, and may be a bit too long for getting through doorways.
Comfort
This is one of the most comfortable lightweight doubles that we have examined. It has stadium-style seating on both seats, which means your children can enjoy the view. It also has an enormous UPF 50+ canopy with a windows that peek out, a padded toddler seat with an add-on RumbleSeat that has built-in adjustable leg and foot rests and cups holder for a single parent. The seats can recline independently by pressing a lever beneath each seat. Testers love the fact that the straps can be fastened or unfastened in one hand. It’s also easy to fold with a twist mechanism on the handle that makes it as easy as is possible and can be stored by putting the backrest up for easy access.
With 30 different configurations (it’ll accommodate twins, a baby and toddler or three kids if you add the option of a ‘PiggyBack’ board) This is a great option for families who want to be able to grow with their child. Its spacious shopping basket as well as soft suspension mean it’s good on kerbs and in the city too. It’s also reasonably priced. BabyGearLab recommends it to children up to six years old.