Buying a Double Buggy 3 Wheels
This buggy is able to be used as a double or single. It has 17 configurations that can accommodate children from newborns to toddlers, and even a third when using iCandy’s 'piggyback' board. It's also one of the most slim double strollers and fits through doors like a single pushchair.
This is an ultra-compact and lightweight stroller that folds easily with one hand. It's also great over varying terrain and has an excellent shopping basket.
Adaptability
When you're looking to purchase a double buggy, there's a lot to consider. You'll want to ensure that your children are safe, comfortable and content while you discover new routes and places. You should also take into consideration the cost, size, weight, and the durability. A well-known brand (within your budget of course) will increase the value of resales and ease the purchase process down the line.
There are two kinds of double buggies that have 3 wheels, depending on how many children you'll be carrying: side-by-side or front-facing. Side-by-side buggies tends to be smaller, but they have a larger footprint than the front-facing models. However there are some smart models available that are able to keep their size down such as the Mountain Buggy Duet. This is the smallest buggy available. It even fits through narrow doors.
Tandem buggies on the other hand, tend to be larger. They begin as a single stroller but can be adjusted with adapters to accommodate a second seat, or carrycot. Some tandem buggies can accommodate twins, toddlers and a baby, or a child with a newborn because of their clever seat configurations. The UPPAbaby Vista 2 can be transformed into a triple with the addition of the optional 'Piggy Back Board'.
The iCandy Orange is another super-smart tandem buggy that features a unique 'cinema seating' design that allows the rear seat to be adjusted to different positions so that you can alter the way your children will sit. This lets you choose between 30 different seating arrangements. It is perfect for parents with young children in different stages of development.
The phil&teds sports is another great alternative. This world-first, multi award winner buggy will protect your budget by acting as a fantastic single from day one and then adapting to take 2 (or 3!) As your family expands, you'll be able to use the same footprint of a single buggy. The Sling seat is the key to this. It's ideal for newborns, and provides superior stability, maneuverability, and the ability to kerb-pop.
Manoeuvrability
Generally speaking the double buggy with 3 wheels are more easy to maneuver and handle than double pushchairs with four wheels. The front wheels are smaller and narrower and result in less weight. This means they can be moved more easily and will also be easier to maneuver upwards and downwards on kerbs.
One of the best examples is the Mountain Buggy Duet. 3 wheel buggy is the slimmest side-by-side buggy on the market, and has the same footprint as a single buggy. This makes it ideal for parents who are worried about fitting through doors or in public transport. It can be used as early as birth, as it can accommodate twins or two carrycots/car seats.
UPPAbaby Vista 2 is another alternative. This is a great lightweight buggy that is perfect for urban life and also comfortable on more uneven or rough terrain. It is suitable for twins, or even toddlers due to its large rear wheels and four-wheel suspension. It's lightweight frame makes it easy to lift and carry. The only issue is that it's a little harder to handle on uneven ground than other models.
Comfort
If you plan to use your buggy for long walks or for jogs it's worth investing in one that can take on rough terrain. Choose a model with three wheels with large rear wheels that can withstand the bumps and a suspension system that absorbs shocks. The front wheels should be mounted ideally to give you better control on difficult terrain, and also to enable you to navigate around corners.
A quality double buggy can allow you to alter the seat positions so both children feel comfortable. The best options offer reclining seats and adjustable footrests for older children. They'll also have plenty of storage space to store your shopping, car keys and phone.
Another thing to look for is a smooth fold mechanism. Our Lab experts prefer models with straps beneath the seats to pull the buggy apart or a lever that releases an opening and folds the frame into half in a matter of seconds. Some models can even fold with the seat removed which makes them smaller when not in use.
The Mountain Buggy Duet has won numerous awards and is a side-by-side with great flexibility for twins or siblings. Its clever frame expands widthways to accommodate the second seat (or carrycot) and has the same footprint as a single buggy that means it can fit through doors and public transport. It's heavier than other models however its smooth ride makes up for it.
iCandy’s Orange Convertible, another popular side-by-side, comes with 30 seating configurations that can be adapted to meet all needs. It's an excellent choice for twins because the seats can be facing parents and can be converted into an a tandem pushchair that has an extra seat/carrycot at the middle.
The Joie Evalite Duo, a lightweight three-wheel model is ideal for everyday use. It's not nearly as expensive as some other models, but its narrow turning radius and fixed front wheel mean it's more difficult to maneuver up and down kerbs. It's easy-to-push and can be used as a running buggy by adding a separate child carriage.
Safety
The phil&teds sport is able to take two children in a variety of ways from infant to toddler using their car seat adapters or twin kit, and even handle three if you use their piggyback board (which is available separately for around PS120). It is extremely secure because of its dual front swivels, superior maneuverability, and the convenient footbrake. Additionally, the tray that it sits on is larger than on most lightweight double buggies and the canopies feature windows that can be opened to allow for better visibility.
This multi-award-winning side-by-side is the tiniest, full-featured all-terrain double buggy available on the market. Its footprint is identical to a single buggy, meaning it can be easily accessed through doors and on public transport. Its suspension can take on rough terrain easily and our Lab experts love the fact that it can be folded down into a compact position in just a few seconds. It also has a hand brake on the adjustable handlebar to provide security. The seats can be reversible to allow children facing forward or the parents facing one another - perfect for siblings and twins.