Double Travel Buggy: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
What to Look For in a Double Travel Buggy
A compact side-by-side that has tiny footprint (for use in public transport and narrow doorways). Add seats or carrycots (with adaptors), to increase the frame's weight capacity for children up to 50 lbs.
A great barebones budget double that has rear and front suspension to take care of uneven surfaces, a massive storage basket and a 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 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, including large pop-out canopy sizes with SPF 50 and peekaboo windows and swivel lock front wheels that make it easier to navigate tight areas like shopping aisles cups with a single parent holder, a smart fold mechanism that can be done one-handed; and 10-inch back wheels that aren't built for rough terrain, but can manage city streets and theme parks quite well.
In terms of price tags these kinds of lightweight, side-by-side buggies are surprisingly affordable.
Weight
The lighter a double-buggy is, the easier it is to move and lift. The Joie Evalite Duo is a good choice if you need to be aware of weight, since it's the lightest of 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 folds flat in just a few seconds; four-wheel suspension to handle rough terrain and an swivel front wheel that makes getting around tight aisles of supermarkets and shops simple. It's also 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 double buggy is a fantastic option for parents with twins, or even a baby and toddler. Pushchairs And Prams are ideal for fitting through tight spaces, while side-byside models keep your children accounted for and will help you keep your eyes on them as you go to the grocery store or the park. There are a variety of seating configurations, so you can modify the seat as your child grows. Some even allow you to add the option of 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 allow you to change from a single to a double in just a few seconds. It comes with a large pop-out canopy sunshade that has UPF 50+ protection, adjustable legrests, and a the window that peeks out from both seats. A standing fold is easy to perform and fast.
The iCandy Peach tri-fold buggy is another option. They are perfect for navigating narrow aisles and doors. They can also easily accommodate twins and a big kid with the addition of UPPAbaby's ‘PiggyBack’ board (which is available separately). They provide a spacious basket, and come with all the accessories you may need, including liners and rain covers.
Tandem buggies typically have your children sitting side-by-side. This makes them easier to push and more robust on uneven surfaces however they can be difficult to maneuver between kerbs. They have a bigger footprint than a one-seater and can be too long to fit through doorways.
Comfort
This is among the most comfortable lightweight doubles we've tested. It has stadium-style seating on both seats, ensuring that your children can enjoy the view. It also has an enormous UPF 50+ canopy with the peek-a-boo window, and a cushioned toddler seat that includes an additional RumbleSeat that comes with built-in, adjustable foot and leg rests and cups holder for a single parent. The seats can recline independently by pressing a lever underneath each seat. The testers also appreciate the fact that the straps can be fastened and unfastened in one hand. The handle is simple to turn, making it simple to fold. It can also be put away with the backrest up to make it easy to access.
With 30 different configurations (it'll accommodate twins, a baby and toddler or three kids with the addition of a 'PiggyBack' Board) this is a fantastic choice for families who want to be able to grow with their child. Its spacious shopping basket and soft suspension mean it's good on kerbs and in the city too. It's also very well priced. BabyGearLab recommends it for children from 6 to 12 years old.