Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
A compact double pushchair makes it easy to move around, especially when you have children of various age groups. They are generally easy to steer, fold and transport up and down the stairs.
This City Mini GT2 features side-by-side seating with plenty of legroom. It also has adjustable reclining, UPF 50+ canopy, and windows that peek out. It also has an expanding frame width to accommodate a second car seat or another passenger.
Side-by-Side
The majority of light double pushchairs we tested are side-by-side designs and are best suited for kids who can sit up on their own because they tend to be lacking car seat integration. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double, are both excellent options. They have recline adjustments for both seats, a large canopy, and padded 5-point safety harnesses. They are also easy to move around despite their larger footprint. They are great for parents who worry about fitting through doors.
The Cybex Duet pushchair is unique because it has a clever frame that expands in width to accommodate an additional child seat. This makes it lighter than other side-byside pushchairs. It is able to pass through doors that are standard and is easy to maneuver in public transportation. It can also be used as an jogger which is perfect for those who plan to use it with an infant car seat or baby carrier.
Another great side-by-side, lightweight double is the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, which offers even more customization through a modular frame. It features a clever design that lets you transform it into a single stroller or a double by adding 2 carrycots or car seats (it can even take twins). It's a fantastic and practical choice for growing families, and the UPPAbaby also is one of the tiniest and most fashionable umbrella strollers on the market.
If you're looking for a more compact, lightweight double, consider the egg2 that folds down to the size of a small suitcase. It can be used either as a single or double by adding 2 carrycots or baby car seats. Our test subjects were awed by the ease of move even with a full load of kids.
Even though they are lightweight double pushchairs side-by-side do not guarantee safety. If your children are of the same age and stage, they might still argue over who gets to sit in which spot. And if they're taller than each other it could be that a tandem design might be better for them, as it will allow them to face each other.
Tandem
While side-byside models are better for children with similar ages, tandem lightweight double strollers come with their own charms. They can take a bigger car seat, and some come with seats that can be reversible or a carrycot that is located in the middle. They tend to be more spacious and easy to get in and out of the baskets, though they are usually smaller than those of single buggies. Many also feature more generously big canopies with windows that peek out, as well as one parent cup holder and padded leg cushions for children.
The iCandy Peach is another example of a good-value lightweight tandem. The fabrics are a little less expensive than some of our top-rated doubles. But, it looks fantastic and is simple to use. One of the most impressive aspects about it is the one-handed fold - although it requires practice, Kirstie in our Lab declared it to be "genius". It can't be folded with the carrycot attached, however, the mechanism for attaching and removing it is simple and fast.
Tandem lightweight double pushchairs will generally make more precise turns than side-by-side models, however they are more difficult to drive over bumps and uneven surfaces. They can also be slower to accelerate and more heavy to move. This puts strain on your back.
Another option is a convertible double buggy which is initially an individual and then you add adapters to turn it into a double. This can include an additional seat or carrycot in front, or the children can be seated side-byside. Some also have the option of incorporating a buggy board, which could help an older child keep up with a younger sibling.
The Uppababy Vista V2 is a good example of a convertible, since it can be converted into a twin pram with the purchase of additional cocoons (PS59 each) that create a lie-flat space for infants. They can be positioned side by side or attached to one another and you can use them with the infant car seat that is included with the pushchair (as as long as you choose a compatible one). Because they're made from high-quality materials, these kinds of buggies that are dual-use can be used for many years without displaying much wear, indicating they have the highest resale value.
Single-to-Double
This light double buggy was designed for families who love the outdoors and would like to upgrade from a single-stroller. It can be converted into a jogger by acquiring kits that include air-filled tires and all-wheel-suspension. It also handles rough terrain well and, as a tandem triple is ideal for twins or children of different ages. It's also a good choice for parents who are looking for an elegant design that's just as elegant as a single and is available in a range of fabrics.
We were impressed by the way this iCandy model folds into itself using a single-hand mechanism that's extremely easy to master. It's heavier than other single-to-double pushchairs, however our home tester Karolina says it's very mobile even with two toddlers and the carrycot.
The seat can be used as a parent-facing and you can buy add-ons for this stroller such as the Roma Gemini carrycots (PS100 each), which are ideal for babies. Our test panel found that the seats to be comfortable for toddlers, with excellent headrests and lumbar support. There are numerous options for reclined seats, with the front seat adjustable in different positions and the back seat having an option to recline.
The biggest drawback with this type of buggy is that it tends to be larger overall than the side-by-side doubles, which makes it harder to maneuver through doorways, and is difficult to maneuver around kerbs. However, the wheels and suspension are generally able to do a good job of dealing with pavements and the fact that they're usually significantly lighter than the side-bysides means that you still find plenty of storage space. These strollers aren't easy to maneuver in supermarkets with narrow aisles, and they might struggle to carry a lot. It's a bit easier to turn around on the smallest of curved paths however, even this can be a challenge. Some are easier to turn than others models, like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double or Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double.
Convertible
The great thing about convertible double pushchairs is the ability to adapt to a family's changing requirements. They often start out as single buggies, but come with adapters to add an additional seat, carrycot or (in some instances) the car seat to the frame. Some can be converted back to a single one when your child's older age begins to walk or prefers to ride buggyboards.
One of the most lightweight double strollers on our list, this sleek tri-fold model can carry children up to 40 lbs each and features an easy-to-use basket between the seats to store things. The spacious canopy with a peekaboo window, multi-position reclining chairs and a front and back suspensions for smoother riding on rough terrain were well-loved by testers at home. It also comes with a handy cup holder for the parent as well as an ample, easily accessible basket. The backs have tiny pockets, which are only big enough to fit phones and a set of keys.
This high-end, lightweight side-by-side can be used in more than 20 configurations, and comes with an additional seat and carrycot. Its impressive features include a handlebar with a high-profile design for easier steering; front and rear suspension to smooth rough terrain; a self-standing, compact fold with handy straps for easy schlepping and seven-inch wheel lock that swivels in the front and back wheels that measure 10 inches with suspension to provide a more comfortable ride. Read the Full Guide is that you'll need to purchase a separate baby carrier or car seat.
This multi-functional tandem is a top choice by our home testers due to its maneuverability and large shopping basket that is accessible with both seats facing towards the parent. It is simple to move around due to its low weight (about the equivalent of some single pushchairs). Many people praise the clever way it attaches the second seat or riding board at the back. Parents also appreciated the fact that it can accommodate infant car seats and carriers from a variety of brands, including those that aren't typically fit into other double buggies.