What to Look For in a Compact Double Buggy
Kerry says that this side-by-side is small enough to pass through most doors and can accommodate two car seats or carrycots. It has a self-standing fold and a handy carry strap for easy schlepping.
The canopies are also simple to lift and move up/down the stairs. The canopies are large and have windows that peek out.
Size
Double buggy features that you should consider include the large shopping basket, front and rear suspension and a sturdy frame. You might want to look at whether it's a travel system, or if the car seat or carrycot is possible to add. These are crucial considerations when you have to take your children on public transport or on long journeys.
You should consider the Leclerc Kooper X2 if you are looking for a compact, double buggy you can use right from the beginning. This model is a side-by-side buggy that has an adjustable frame that can expand widthways in order to accommodate two children. The seats have a recline option and can be set up independently, which gives you the option of having one child leaning back relaxing for a nap, while the other looks out at their surroundings. The seats also come with a large UPF 50+ canopy as well as a peekaboo feature.
Another great option for infant twins is the Mountain Buggy Duet. It is the tiniest side-by-side twin pushchair available and only 63cm wide so will fit through most doors. It can also take two car seats or a carrycot, and comes with lay-flat seats that are suitable from birth.
Tandem double buggies, which feature the children sitting on opposite sides is a popular option for twins, or parents of a baby and toddler. They do have a larger footprint than single-seaters, and are more difficult to maneuver through narrow doors or on pavements.
The iCandy Orange is a popular tandem buggy and has been designed to grow with your family, with 30 different seating options. It can be used with twins, a baby and a toddler or three kids when you add iCandy's 'PiggyBack' board (which is available separately). It has soft suspension that makes light work of kerbs. It can be used in mono or double mode. You can attach a single stroller on top to store additional items.
Weight
A good double buggy is light and easy to push. It should also have spacious shopping baskets, front and rear suspension to make it easier to navigate rougher surfaces and, ideally it is suitable for twins or siblings of different age groups.
A majority of compact double buggies come with frames that are designed to take infant car seats and come with branded adaptors to match popular models from Cybex, BeSafe and Maxi-Cosi. These are great options when you are looking to avoid using separate strollers for your smaller children with medical issues.
However, they do tend to have a larger footprint than side-by-side buggies, and may be more difficult to maneuver through doors and public transport. If this is important to you, look through the product details to see what alternatives are available.
If you're looking to find the tiniest double pushchair on the market, check out the Mountain Buggy Duet. It's the slimmest side-byside on the market at just 63cm wide and can be used by twins who are just born or one toddler and one baby. It has a robust design and a superior function and large air-filled tires that can be used on all terrains but are also able to zip around the city.
The UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another fantastic alternative. It can hold twins as well as a baby and toddler, or two children using a piggyback board (which is required to be purchased separately). It has a self-standing fold and carry strap that makes it easy to transport and comes with rear and front suspension to help you cope with the rough terrain. It's heavier than the Joie Evalite Duo, but lighter than the majority of trifold buggies. stokke double stroller is a great option for older children.
Folding
A good double buggy needs to be slim to store, and a ideal choice is the Baby Jogger City Select 2. This model is a side-byside and has a smooth fold. The frame expands when you fold it, which means it's narrower that a single stroller. This makes it much easier to navigate through doorways and public transport. It also means that you don't require a second car for schlepping the buggy around.
It's a great choice for parents with twins, because it can be used in a mono or duo mode with two seats and car seat adaptors. It can also accommodate a third passenger on the buggy's "piggyback board, and provides an array of configurations that include an elevated stadium seating option that allows each child a view of their surroundings. The adjustable handlebar comes with an adjustable handbrake that allows you to push the buggy up and down hills.
Another good option is the Mountain Buggy Duet, which has the most compact side-by-side footprint on the market at 63cm. It is perfect for parents who are worried about fitting a double inside the doorway or on public transport. However it is able to handle rough terrain like an off-roader. It can be used for twins or a toddler and one or two children with the same age. Each seat reclines independently, so the children are able to sit comfortably.
The iCandy Peach is a good option. It can be used in mono or tandem mode, and can accommodate two car seats or a carrycot with the option of a toddler seat. It's a bit larger than other doubles, but it has great maneuverability, especially on smooth surfaces. It's an excellent choice for those looking for an elegant but practical buggy.
There are a variety of budget double buggies, such as the UPPAbaby Vista 2. This is a compact side-by-side that fits a newborn in a carrycot as well as a toddler in a seat, or three kids if you include the brand-new pizazz PiggyBack ride-on board. It comes with an auto-standing fold, a large canopy that provides protection for both children and the ability to peek inside. It's also quite light for a double stroller, and has a large undercarriage basket that can be used to store your things like shopping.