Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
A compact double pushchair is easy to get around, particularly for families with children of various age groups. They're generally easy to fold, steer, and carry up and down stairs.
This City Mini GT2 offers side-by-side seats with plenty of legroom, adjustable reclining and huge UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. It also has frames that can be expanded in the width to accommodate the second car seat or an additional passenger.
Side-by-Side
Most of the lightweight double pushchairs we tested were side-by-side models. They are ideal for children who can stand up without assistance, as they aren't as likely to have compatibility with car seats. That said, the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double are both great options that provide adjustable recline in both seats, a large canopy, and padded five-point harnesses. They are also easy to maneuver, despite their larger footprint. They are perfect for parents who fret about fitting through doors.
The Cybex Duet pushchair is unique because it features a unique frame that can be expanded to allow for an additional child seat. This makes it slimmer than other side-byside pushchairs. It is able to pass through standard doors and is easy to maneuver on public transportation. It also doubles as a jogger which is a great feature if you want to use it in conjunction with a baby carrier or infant car seat. It's also available in a range of fun colors.
Another fantastic side-by-side light double is the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, that offers more customization with a modular frame. It features a clever design that allows you to transform it into a single buggy or a double by incorporating 2 carrycots or car seats (it can even accommodate twins). It's an outstandingly practical choice for families with growing children and the UPPAbaby makes one of the lightest and stylish umbrella strollers available.
If twin stroller looking for a compact, lightweight double, consider the egg2 that folds down to the size of a small suitcase. It can be used as a double or single by adding 2 carrycots or baby car seats. Our test subjects were awed by the ease of move even with a load of children.
Even though they are lightweight, double pushchairs that are side-by-side aren't foolproof. If your children are at the same age and stage, they could be fighting over who gets to sit in which position. If they are at different heights, then a tandem style may be ideal for them as it lets them face each other.
Tandem
While side-by-side models are more suitable for siblings with similar ages tandem pushchairs that are lightweight are a different kind of pushchair with their own appeal. Some can accommodate a larger car seat and some have Reversible seats. Others even have an extra carrycot or a reclined seat that can be flipped in the middle. They are larger and easy to get in and out of. However, their baskets tend to be smaller than the ones found on single buggies. They often have larger canopy as well as peekaboo windows, and even padded leg cushions.
The iCandy Peach is another example of a lightweight and affordable tandem. Its fabrics feel a little less expensive than our other top-rated tandems, but it still looks and feels great and is easy to use. Its one-handed folding is awe-inspiring. Although it takes some practice, Kirstie from our Lab described it as "genius". The carrycot cannot be folded while it's attached. However, the mechanism to attach and remove the carrycot is simple and quick.
Tandem lightweight double strollers will usually make tighter turning than side-byside models. However, they can be more difficult to drive on uneven surfaces and curbs. They can also be a little slower to accelerate and can be heavier to move, which could result in stress on your back.
A convertible double buggy is a different option. It is initially one but you can also add adapters to convert it into double. This can include the option of a second seat or carrycot in the front or children can sit side-by-side. Some can also consider including a buggyboard that can help an older child keep pace with siblings who are younger.
The Uppababy Vista V2 can be transformed into a twin-sized stroller by purchasing additional cocoons for PS59 each. The cocoons create an area that is flat for newborns. They can be joined or placed side-by-side. You can also use the car seat that came with the pushchair if it is compatible with the. These dual-use buggies are made of quality materials and can be used for many years without showing any wear. This means that they have a high resale price.
Single-to-Double
This compact double buggy is designed for outdoor-loving family who want to upgrade from an individual-stroller. It can be transformed into a jogger with kits that include air-filled tires as well as all-wheel suspension. It can also withstand rough terrain well and is a tandem triple, is perfect for twins or children of various age groups. It's a great option for parents who want a chic style that's as elegant as a single. It comes in various colors of fabric.
We loved the way that this iCandy model folds down with a one-handed mechanism that's really easy to master. It's heavier than other single-to double pushchairs, but home tester Karolina says it's still very mobile even with two toddlers and the carrycot.
You can purchase add-ons such as the Roma Gemini Carrycots (PS100) that are ideal for infants. The seats are comfortable for toddlers, with excellent headrests and lumbar support. There are many options to recline the seats and the front seat is can be adjusted to different positions, and the back seat having a reclining option.
This kind of buggy has the greatest disadvantage of being wider than side-byside doubles. This makes it difficult to maneuver through doorways, and it can be difficult to move up and down kerbs. The suspension and wheels of these models are generally able to cope with pavements. They're also lighter than most side-by-sides and, therefore, you can have plenty of storage. These strollers can be difficult to maneuver through supermarkets with narrow aisles, and they might struggle to carry a large amount. Although it's much easier to turn the stroller on a narrow curved path, this can still be a problem. Some are easier to turn than other, such as the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double or Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double.
Convertible
The best thing about convertible double pushchairs is the ability to adapt to the changing family requirements. Often, they start as single buggies. They have adapters that allow you to add a second child's seat or a carrycot (in some instances) the car seat to the frame. Some can be converted to a single buggie when your older child starts to walk or wants to ride a buggyboard.
This stylish tri-fold double stroller can be described as one of the lightest on our list. It can carry up to 40 pounds per child and has an extra storage basket in between the seats. The large canopy with a peekaboo window, multi-position reclining chairs as well as front and back suspension for smoother rides on rough terrain were praised by testers at home. It also has a convenient parent cup holder and an ample, easy-to-access basket. However, they pointed out that the backs of the seats have pockets that aren't large enough to hold more than a cell phone and keys.
This top-of-the-line, lightweight side-byside can be used in more than 20 different configurations, and comes with a second seat and carrycot. Its impressive set of features includes a high-profile handlebar for easier steering; front and rear suspension to smooth rough terrain; a self-standing, compact fold with handy straps that make it easy to schlep and seven-inch swing lock front wheels and 10-inch rear wheels with suspension for a smoother ride. The only downside is that you'll need to purchase a separate baby carrier or car seat.
This multi-functional tandem is a popular choice from our home testers due to its easy-to-maneuver size and impressively large shopping basket that can be accessed with both seats in the parent-facing position. Its extremely light weight (about the same as single pushchairs) makes it a breeze to move. Reversible seats mean you can flip them to face either direction, and the clever method by which it can attach the second seat or riding board to the rear is highly praised by many. Parents also liked the fact that it could accommodate infant carriers and car seats from various brands, including some which aren't usually fit in other double buggies.