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11 best double buggies for 2023: Top pushchairs for babies and toddlers, tested by parents

Take some of the heavy lifting out of transporting two kids with one comfortable pram

Zoe Griffin
Monday 03 April 2023 12:44 BST
Side by side seats give a better view of little passengers while in-line pushchairs offer flexibility as they grow
Side by side seats give a better view of little passengers while in-line pushchairs offer flexibility as they grow (The Independent)
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Leaving the house with two small children can be challenging, but if you have the right double buggy it will make the process much easier.

Whether you have twins or two children that are close in age, preparing for outings is less stressful when little ones feel comfortable and safe in their pushchair. The right double buggy can also be a sanctuary when you’re out and about, offering a place to chill or to nap in if they start to feel overwhelmed.

And for exhausted parents, who spend most of the day lifting, picking up and chasing after little ones, a walk can be one of the best moments in the day, as they can’t (in theory) cause too much mischief when they’re safely strapped in. With that in mind, straps were a key feature in our search. We wanted to ensure there was no chance of an older child wriggling out, while at the same time, were checking they felt comfortable so there were no tears or squeals about movement being restricted.

When shopping for options that will transport two children, the biggest choice you have to make is whether you want a side-by-side double pram or an in-line one, in which the children either sit above and below each other or one at the front and one at the back. There are, of course, advantages to both – side-by-side options feel more sociable, while in-line pushchairs offer the flexibility of adding different seats as your family grows.

Whatever you choose, it’s a good idea to check how compact it is. Does it fold down and how much space it occupies when folded? This is especially important if you live in a small flat or you’re hoping to be able to fit the buggy in your car boot for fun days out.

How we tested

We tested a huge selection of double buggies and double prams in a variety of scenarios including walks around the park, the city centre and on day trips to be sure they offered a comfortable ride for both the passenger and the pusher over different terrains. Each double pushchair was assessed for its ease of fold, the security of it’s straps and how easy it was to manoeuvre round corners, change direction and steer through doorways.

The best double prams for 2023 are:

  • Best overall – Hauck Atlantic twin: £499.99, Very.co.uk
  • Best value double buggy – My Babiee Dani Dyer cherish stroller: £139.99, Very.co.uk
  • Best for running – Out’N’About nipper sport double s4: £525, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best travel system bundle – Silver Cross wave single to double travel system: £1,504.99, Very.co.uk
  • Best for twins – Bugaboo Donkey5 twin extension complete pushchair: £1,659.99, Very.co.uk

Hauck Atlantic twin

best double buggy pushchair
  • Best: Overall
  • Seating mode: One up, one down (inline)
  • Width : 64cm
  • Weight: 16.4kg
  • Child weight limit: 15kg

We loved this affordable and stylish little number. With a streamline design, soft fabric and a sturdy wheelbase, this had more features than double buggies that cost twice as much. Its rear wheels are puncture resistant and the front wheels are lockable, which meant it out performed other pushchairs on grass and rocky terrains.

We were impressed by how easy it was to adjust the pull handle to suit pushers of all heights, including those that are taller than average. The in-built drinks holder was also much appreciated, as parents of multiple children will know how much a coffee can improve the day. The shopping basket was a good size, and there are multiple ways to configure the seats or bassinets. You can choose to have your babies facing you, which is ideal when they’re young, or facing outwards to give them more to look at during the journey.

Another useful detail was the extra large sun canopy, which gave both our little ones more protection from the sun’s rays without need for a parasol or an extra sun shade cover. Hauck is big on detail and has considered all the little things that make parents’ lives that little bit easier with this quality pushchair. We couldn’t fault it.

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My Babiee Dani Dyer cherish twin stroller

 best double buggy pushchair
  • Best: Value double buggy
  • Seating mode: Side by side
  • Width: 77cm
  • Weight: 11.7kg
  • Child limit weight: 15kg

With a quilted seat and a striking diamond print on the back, you’d never guess this pushchair was less than £140. We loved the handy and generously-sized pocket on the back of each seat, so you can have snacks and toys within easy reach. The main shopping basket is also one of the largest we tested, which is ideal for days out, as is the fact that it has a super small footprint when folded – it collapses smaller than some single buggies.

As long as you keep both hands on the handles, it’s a pleasure to push owing to the fact that it is lightweight and responsive. However, this is not the buggy for you if you like to sip a coffee or talk on the phone as you push. If you take a hand off one of the sides, it will veer to the opposite side. That’s not a bad thing as it forces you to stop multi-tasking and enjoy the outing, but it’s something to consider when working out if this is the best buggy for your family’s needs.

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Joie aire double

best double buggy pushchair
  • Best: For travel
  • Seating mode: Side by side
  • Width: 80.5cm
  • Weight: 11.8kg
  • Child weight limit: 15kg

The bright and cheerful Joie aire is as light as a feather, coming in at under 12kg, and folds up super flat in one swift manoeuvre. Although it’s too long to go through bag drop, you can wheel it right up to the plane, collapse it fast and pick it up on the baggage carousel.

The super low price point, which was a tenth of some of the double buggies we tried, means you’re not that nervous about how it will survive the journey. When we tested it on a flight to Tenerife, it looked and worked as good as new after being thrown around the aircraft hold, which is testament to how sturdy and durable it is. Thanks to its fold, this is also the best buggy for a small car boot.

It’s amazing for toddlers as each individual seat is very wide, giving the buggy a width of a hefty 80.5cm. That said, you could use it from birth too, as both seats recline fully flat. However, you may want to invest in extra footmuffs to protect smaller babies as they could feel vulnerable in such a big open seat.

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iCandy peach 7 double

best double buggy pushchair
  • Best: For style
  • Seating mode: One up, one down
  • Width: 61cm
  • Weight: 12.9kg
  • Child weight limit: 15kg

British-made, family owned and with a Queen’s award for excellence, iCandy travel systems are quality pieces of kit. While they may be on the pricier end of all the double buggies we tested, they have an excellent resale value so you’ll be able to recoup some of your investment when you’ve outgrown it.

This is partly because this double pushchair is ultra hardy and durable. Don’t be fooled by the glamorous biscotti colour into thinking that it’s all style and no substance. Look closely at the fabric and you’ll see that it’s made from premium jersey knitted fabrics. When we experienced a spillage made by a clumsy toddler, we wiped it off the seat and it dried fast without staining. The fabric is also crease resistant so it will spring back into shape after every fold, no matter how many times you throw it in and out of car boots.

We were also impressed by the in-built ride on board. When your toddler is ready to walk, but needs to take a rest from time to time, they can stand on the platform at the back of the shopping basket and use it as a buggy board. This means you never need to use a bulky external buggy board ever again which should mean fewer shin bruises, trust us!

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Nuna demi grow

best double buggy pushchair
  • Best: For comfort
  • Seating mode: One up, one down
  • Width: 61cm
  • Weight: 13.8kg in single mode
  • Child weight limit: 15kg

If you’re not expecting twins and not sure how close in ages your babies will eventually be, we highly recommend investing in the Nuna demi grow. That way you’ll have the option of using it as a double at a later date but it performs perfectly well as a single too. It also allows you to spread out the cost as you can purchase the single mode first and then add an extension pack and extra seat when your second bundle of joy arrives.

We loved the seat fabric, which is soft and thick to keep baby cozy in winter as well as to keep them happy over all terrains. However, the hood converts to mesh in summer to allow air to flow and keep your little one cool when they need it. Another very useful feature, exclusive to the Nuna demi grow, is a trademark Dream Drape hood. If your little one likes darkness for nap time, you can pull the drape most of the way over your baby, without the need for an external sleep shade cover, so they can nap in comfort.

  1.  £700 from Boots.com
Prices may vary
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Mountain Buggy duet

 best double buggy pushchair
  • Best: For off-road adventures
  • Seating mode: Side by side
  • Width: 63cm
  • Weight: 14.7kg
  • Child weight limit: 18kg

Parents living in the countryside or visiting it frequently have different requirements for their pushchairs than city dwellers. Mountain Buggy is the pioneer of all-terrain adventure, with 25 years of experience in helping parents and little ones have the freedom to explore more of the great outdoors.

The duet is its most compact of double buggies, somehow managing to be the same width as some single prams while allowing siblings or twins to sit side by side. This was the easiest side by side to push in shops and cafes as well as the best, by far, to steer up on bumpy paths and up hills.

Our testers climbed Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath with ease, with none of the arm or shoulder ache they’d experienced trying to half-lift, half-push other buggies. This could have something to do with the hi-tech tyres, which are air filled like a mountain bike. But the suspension is also noticeably better than on other doubles, and means you’ll always feel in control.

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Out n About nipper sport double V4

 best double buggy pushchair
  • Best: For running
  • Seating mode: Side by side
  • Width: 71cm
  • Weight: 12.5kg
  • Child weight limit: 22kg

It’s not easy to find time to exercise when you have children, but this comfortable double buggy from Out ‘n’ About allows you to fit in a run without having to find childcare. Getting the blood flowing and being in the fresh outdoors has proven benefits for mental health and we did feel happier and more patient with little ones after returning from a run.

Running with a pushchair does take some getting used to but the nipper is steadier than most. Large 16in air-filled wheels mean it delivers a smooth, all-terrain ride. The seats are independently adjustable, so you can recline each to the perfect angle for each child and we liked the two large storage pouches on the back of each seat that were perfect for holding snacks and toys to keep little one’s entertained on the run.

You can even use it in all weathers. Two large, extendable independent canopies provide shade and protection from the elements for your little ones. It also comes with a raincover that boxes off the seat so absolutely no rainfall will touch your babies. A further bonus is that it holds children of up to 22kg so you’ll always be able to find time to workout right up until they’re school age.

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Joolz geo2

 best double buggy pushchair
  • Best: For easy folding
  • Seating mode: One up, one down
  • Width: 60cm
  • Weight: 22.1kg with seat and bassinet
  • Child weight limit: 15kg

This was our favorite in-line buggy to fold up by a long way. Most in-line buggies require adaptors for the top seat or bottom seat to allow for extra space between the babies, but this was not the case with the Geo 2 as you can just simply click one or two seats into the actual frame. When you no longer need to use the buggy, both seats fold up along with the frame so you don’t need to spend time taking off the different elements.

Price-wise, it’s incredible value for money if you’re lucky enough to purchase it in a Joolz’ outlet sale, which happen throughout the year. You can see the quality of the fabric and stitching from a distance and we had a few parents ask us where this buggy was from during our tests, which is the ultimate compliment to its attractive design.

As it’s narrower than some single strollers, you’ll never have a problem squeezing onto a bus and you can push it with just a couple of fingers, should you wish to, thanks to responsive four wheel suspension. However, once used in twin mode you do lose the shopping basket so you’ll need a larger changing bag. But that’s the only issue we could find with it.

  1.  £509 from Joolz.com
Prices may vary
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Thule sleek stroller bundle and sibling seat

 best double buggy pushchair
  • Best: For urban living
  • Seating mode: One up, one down
  • Width: 60.5cm
  • Weight: 12kg
  • Child weight limit: 15kg

Weighing just 12kg without any children in it, the Thule sleek is lightweight and reactive. You can steer round slowcoaches on the pavement or nip around a supermarket like a ninja. And after you’ve paid for said shop, you can probably fit a week’s worth of food into the spacious shopping basket.

The front double seat is positioned in front of the basket so you can comfortably transport two little ones without losing any storage space. Width-wise it’s only 60cm, so you’ll never have to give doorways a second thought – you can go anywhere you want with this pushchair without compromise.

We liked that the brake is red, which makes it easy to locate when you need to stop and secure the buggy in a hurry. But our favourite feature was how compact it was when folded, as you can leave both seats on it so there’s no need to work out where to fit different seat parts around your car. Our least favourite feature was that you need two hands to fold it and it takes two steps. It’s worth the effort for the ease of storage though, but we wish it was a little faster to do.

  1.  £999 from Thule.com
Prices may vary
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Silver Cross wave single to double travel system

 best double buggy pushchair
  • Best: Travel system
  • Seating mode: One up, one down
  • Width: 60cm
  • Weight: 17.7kg
  • Child weight limit: 22kg

Silver Cross was established in 1877 in Leeds and is one of the oldest nursery brands in the world. But with the wave, it’s fully jumped into the 21st century with a beautifully soft, structured pushchair that can adapt to a family’s needs in seconds.

For when you only have one child with you, simply clip off the adapators to use it in single mode. Or click them back on again and there are an impressive 16 configuration possibilities for babies to face each other, face outwards, one in a seat and one in a car seat and so on.

Having the car seat option is really useful for quick errands such as the school run or doctors appointments as you can just take the whole car seat out, clip it onto the buggy and go. Its sturdy, structured design makes it super easy to push forwards and it can take on a pothole, raised kerb or gap in the pavement like a warrior.

If this double pushchair was a car, it would be an SUV. You can go anywhere in it but it is mega heavy at 19kg when empty, and not the easiest to reverse or change direction with. You’re paying for the way it protects your babies and feels sturdy, as well as the quality detailing. Every rivet, lever and joint is branded with the Silver Cross name which gives a great feeling of luxury too.

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Bugaboo donkey5 twin extension complete pushchair

best double buggy pushchair
  • Best: For twins
  • Seating mode: Side by side
  • Width : 74cm
  • Weight: 14.9kg
  • Child weight limit: 22kg

Bugaboo has the royal seal of approval from both the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex. Pushing a stroller that features the interlocking circles of the Bugaboo logo does make you walk with a certain swagger, helping to feel like you’ve got your act together even if you’re massively sleep deprived.

The donkey5 is perfect for twins as you don’t have to decide who goes on top to get a better view of the world and who has to sit on the bottom with not much entertainment. Side by side they can bond with each other and it offers three different configurations so babies can face each other, face you or face ahead. Even better is that you won’t struggle to get it through a doorway as it’s 74cm in width and most standard doorways are 80cm. Steering the donkey5 around is a dream too; it pushes forward with just the lightest touch and it has a small turning radius so manoeuvring around department stores is a breeze.

We really liked how the seats are higher up the chassis than other double pushchairs we tested, meaning your little ones are closer to you and away from the road. It also means you can wheel it up to a restaurant table and use it instead of a high chair. The donkey5’s safety harness was also the easiest to secure and release out of all the buggies we tested. If you have toddlers that don’t want their outing to end, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to secure them safely even when they’re wrestling with you.

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The verdict: Double buggies

Offering comfort, a smooth steer and lots of useful extras like a cup holder and generous sun hoods, the Hauck Atlantic caters for every need at an affordable price point. If you’re after a more stylish ride that will make people stop and stare, our favorite high-end double stroller was the iCandy peach 7.

Bonding on the move? Read our review of the ​​best baby carriers to transport your little one safely

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