Double Travel Buggy: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

What to Look For in a Double Seat Stroller Travel Buggy

A side-by-side double that has a compact footprint (for narrow doorways and on public transport). Add seats or a carrycot (with adaptors) to expand the frame to accommodate children up to 50 pounds per seat.

Budget double seat stroller with suspension for the front and back for uneven surfaces. Large storage basket, padded handlebars and large storage basket.

Size

In general double buggy side by side pushchairs are generally wider than single models, especially when they're side by side buggies, like the Kolcraft Geo 3 and UPPAbaby Vista 2. This extra width allows them to take on heavier children without straining their chassis. They also come with other key features that help them stand out, like generously-sized pop-out canopies with SPF 50 and peekaboo windows; swivel lock front wheels which help navigate narrow spots such as aisles for shopping; cup holders for one parent and a smart fold mechanism that can be operated by one hand; and 10 inch back wheels that aren't designed for rough terrain but can handle city streets and theme parks fairly well.

In terms of cost they are surprisingly affordable. These types of light buggies, which are side-by-side, are surprisingly affordable.

Weight

The heavier a double buggy is the more easy it is to move and lift. The Joie Evalite Duo is a great option if you need to be mindful of weight, as it's the lightest in our Lab tests, but it still has plenty of features, such as nice-sized pop-out canopy with SPF 50 and peekaboo windows and a quick-release fold that folds flat in just a few seconds; four-wheel suspension to cope with rough terrain; and a swivel front wheel that makes maneuvering tight shops and supermarket aisles simple. Just over PS1,000, it's also a super-affordable twin stroller. It can also carry twins or a baby and toddler with the purchase of an additional'sidepack'.

Flexibility

A double buggy is a great option for parents with twins or even a toddler and a baby. Narrow tandem buggies are great for navigating narrow spaces, while side by side models ensure that your children are properly cared for and will help you keep an eye on them as you navigate the supermarket or the park. A lot of buggies come with a variety seats so that you can modify them as your child develops. Some even permit the addition of a car seat or ride-on board.

The Joie Evalite duo is a perfect example. It can hold two seats or a car seat, and its easy-to-use adaptors permit you to switch from a single to a double in seconds. It also comes with a large pop-out UPF 50+ sunshade that can be used as a canopy with adjustable leg rests as well as peekaboo windows on both seats as well as the standing fold is simple and easy to perform with just 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 ideal for negotiating narrow aisles and doors, while they can easily hold twins or a baby and a big kid thanks to the addition of UPPAbaby's 'PiggyBack' board (which is available separately). The basket is generous and comes with all the extras, such as raincovers and liner.

Tandem buggies are usually made with your kids sitting close to each other. This makes them easier and more stable to push on uneven surfaces, but they can be difficult to maneuver around and over kerbs. They typically have a larger footprint than a single-seater pushchair, and can be a bit long to get through doors.

Comfort

One of the more comfortable, lightweight twin stroller 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+ canopy with windows that peek out; a padded toddler seat and an additional RumbleSeat with built-in adjustable leg and foot rests; as well as an individual cup holder for parents. The seats can recline independently by pressing a lever under each seat. Testers love the fact that the straps can be secured and unfastened with one hand. The handle is easy to twist making it easy to fold. It also stores with the backrest up to make it easy to access.

This is a great option for families that want to develop with their children. It comes in a variety of configurations, including 30. It can carry twins with a toddler as well as a baby or three kids when you add the 'PiggyBack board'. The spacious basket and soft suspension makes it suitable for kerbs as well in the city. It's also reasonably priced. BabyGearLab recommends this for youngsters up to the age of six.