What to Look For in a Double Travel Buggy
A side-by-side double that has a compact footprint (for narrow entrances and public transport). Add carrycots or seats (with adaptors) to make the frame more sturdy for children up to 50 pounds.
A budget-friendly, basic double that has rear and front suspension to take care of uneven surfaces, a massive storage basket, and a cushioned handlebar for parents with 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 lets them to carry heavier children without straining their chassis. Other features make them stand out: large pop-out umbrellas that come with SPF 50 protection, as well as peekaboo windows, swivel-lock front wheels to aid in maneuvering tight spaces like shopping aisles as well as a cup holder that can be used by 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.
These side-by-side buggies are light and have surprisingly low price tags.
Weight
The lighter the double buggy the more easy 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 still has plenty of features including an enormous pop-out canopy that has SPF50 and a peekaboo window as well as a quick-release folding mechanism that can be stowed flat in just a few seconds and a four-wheel suspension for rough terrain, and a swivel wheel on the front that makes it easy to maneuver narrow aisles in supermarkets and shops. It's also super-affordable at just over a thousand dollars. It can also carry twins or a baby and toddler with the purchase of an additional'sidepack'.
tandem double stroller is a great option for parents with twins or even a toddler and a baby. The narrow tandem buggies are ideal to fit into tight spaces, while side-byside models keep your children accounted for and allow you to keep an eye on them as you travel around the supermarket or the park. Many have a variety of seating configurations, so you can adjust them as your child develops. Some allow you to add the option of a car seat or ride-on board.
The Joie Evalite duo is an excellent example. It can be used to support two seats, or a car seat. The adaptors let you convert one seat to a double in just minutes. It also comes with a large pop-out UPF 50+ canopy sunshade, adjustable leg rests and windows that peek out from both seats as well as a standing fold that's quick and easy to do with one hand; and a top-quality suspension that can take care 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 even a baby and a big kid thanks to the addition of UPPAbaby's "PiggyBack' board (which you can purchase separately). They come with a large basket, and come with all the accessories you could require, including rain covers and liners.
Tandem buggies are usually designed with your children seated close to each other. This can make them more stable and easier to push on uneven surfaces, however they can be a challenge to maneuver over and up kerbs. They have a bigger footprint than a single-seater and may be too large to fit through doorways.
Comfort
One of the more comfortable lightweight doubles we've tested, this buggy features raised stadium-style seating for both seats so your children are able to enjoy the view. It comes with nice-sized UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows; padded toddler seat and an additional RumbleSeat with built-in adjustable leg and foot rests; and an individual cup holder for parents. The testers love how the seats recline individually by squeezing the levers under each seat. They also note that the straps are easy to fasten and unfasten with just one hand. It's also easy to fold with a twist mechanism on the handle that makes it as simple as possible and can be stored by putting the backrest up to make it easy to access.
With 30 different configurations (it'll carry twins, a baby and toddler or three kids if you add the option of a "PiggyBack" board) this is a fantastic option for families who want to be able to grow with their child. Its spacious shopping basket and soft suspension make it suitable on streets and in cities too. It's also reasonably priced. BabyGearLab recommends it to children from 6 to 12 years old.