Mamas & Papas Duette Twin Travel System

...which will take either 2 Mamas and Papas Prima Viaggio car seats, carry cots or a combination of both. Overall, our purchase of the chassis, car seats and carry cots cost around GBP 800. It was sold as a system which would last us till the twins were around two as the carry cots turn into pushchair seats to allow the occupants to sit up and dangle their legs.

From very early on we had problems with the brake (seems to be a feature ...
...when someone else was pushing and we were walking behind we noticed how badly the outside rear tyres were worn on the outside. This was approximately 8 months after purchase.

When the chassis was folded a definite buckling could be seen if one looked along it. We decided to not use the pram anymore. In addition to this the brake was regularly sticking on and the brake arm clicked against the wheel when it was pushed. One of the retaining ... more

The Duette is a chassis which will take either 2 Mamas and Papas Prima Viaggio car seats, carry cots or a combination of both. Overall, our purchase of the chassis, car seats and carry cots cost around GBP 800. It was sold as a system which would last us till the twins were around two as the carry cots turn into pushchair seats to allow the occupants to sit up and dangle their legs.

From very early on we had problems with the brake (seems to be a feature of M&P in general across their range). It was only when someone else was pushing and we were walking behind we noticed how badly the outside rear tyres were worn on the outside. This was approximately 8 months after purchase.

When the chassis was folded a definite buckling could be seen if one looked along it. We decided to not use the pram anymore. In addition to this the brake was regularly sticking on and the brake arm clicked against the wheel when it was pushed. One of the retaining screws for the luggage basket came off and was lost.

We contacted M&P who informed us that as the pram was outside guarantee we would have to pay GBP 35 to return it. They agreed to send us packaging for it. After 2 unsuccessful deliveries of this we were informed that it would be better to acquire packaging ourselves. They could not supply any replacements in the meantime whcih led to us having to purchase a secondhand win Nipper pushchair (excellent product). Eventually, following some irate discussions with M&P we did sent it back.

M&P called following receipt and suggested that there were no issues of manufacture and any damage must have happened in our usage. Also suggested that the babies could be too heavy for it (8 months at this stage - they may be good eaters but not that good). We held to our guns and were rewarded with the refund of our money.

The pram arrived and on the first use the cable to the front brake sprang into its housing, resulting in the front wheel brake staying permanently on. Chassis was promptly returned to M&P (no mention of 35 quid this time) and returned in good working order. I would warn, though, that the brake lever does still click when off.

Positives about the system:

Portability - if out shopping the chassis is quite compact compared to buggy style double prams and fits through areas where double width prams will not go. It also folds into a relatively small volume.

Sociability - boys can look at each other, face forwards or back.

Young twins - we used the carrycots as beds for the first few weeks as the babies were around 5lb at birth. Can be easily carried around.

The negatives are as follows:

Fit for purpose - I doubt the ability of this chassis to last till the boys are two. Would not buy on the basis of it lasting till that time without replacement.

Brakes - very poor quality (backed up by friends who have it or other M&P chasses) and prone to break or bend.

Weight - with the boys in it it is hard work to push.

Manufacturer support - very poor, 6 month guarantee, no temporary replacements (important given the lack of easily available twin products compared to singles).

Overall I would say that as a concept in terms of making your life easy as parents of twins, the Duette was very good. I just have several reservations about its ability to last till the manufacturers suggest it should. 

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