Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
A lightweight double pushchair is easy to move around, especially if you have children of different ages. They are easy to fold, steer and carry up and down stairs.
This City Mini GT2 features side-by-side seating with plenty of legroom. It also has adjustable reclining, large UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows. It also has an expanding frame width to accommodate an additional car seat or a second passenger.
Side-by-Side
The majority of light double pushchairs we test are side-byside models and are generally recommended for children who can sit up on their own since these models tend to be lacking car seat integration. However there are some exceptions. Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double are both top choices that have adjustable recline in both seats, a huge canopy, and padded five-point harnesses. They are also easy to maneuver despite their bigger footprint. They are perfect for parents who are worried about fitting through doors.
The Cybex Duet pushchair is unique because it has a clever frame that expands to accommodate another child seat. This makes it lighter than other pushchairs with side-by-side seating. It can be pushed through doors that are standard and is easy to move around on public transport. It also doubles as an jogger which is perfect for those who plan to use it with an infant car seat or a baby carrier.
Another fantastic side-by-side light double is the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, that offers more customization through a modular frame. It has a smart design that allows you to turn it into a single buggy or a double by adding 2 carrycots or car seats (it can even take twins). It's an outstandingly practical choice for growing families and the UPPAbaby is among the lightest and stylish umbrella strollers available.
If you're looking for a compact, lightweight double, consider the egg2 which folds down to the size of a compact suitcase. It can be used as a double or single by adding two carrycots or baby car seats. Our home testers were impressed with how easy it was to maneuver even with a full load of kids.
Although they're lightweight, double pushchairs that are side-by-side are not foolproof. If your children are of the same age and stage, they might be fighting over who sits in which spot. And if they're taller than each other, a tandem model could be better for them as it will allow them to face each other.
Tandem
While side-by-side models may be more suitable for siblings who are the same age tandem pushchairs that are lightweight have their own charms. They can take a bigger car seat, and some come with convertible seats or an additional carrycot in the middle. They are larger and easy to get into and out of. However the baskets they use tend to be smaller than those found on single buggies. They often have larger sized canopies with peekaboo windows as well as a parent cup holder and padded leg cushions for young children.
The iCandy Peach tandem is another excellent example of a light tandem that provides an excellent value. Its fabric feels a bit less expensive than our other top-rated tandems, but it looks and feels great and is very easy to use. Its one-handed folding is impressive. Although it takes some practice, Kirstie from our Lab called it "genius". The carrycot can't be folded when it is attached. However, the mechanism to attach and remove the carrycot is simple and quick.
Tandem strollers are light and lightweight. They typically have tighter turning capabilities than side-byside models. However, they may be more difficult to drive on uneven surfaces and curbs. They can also be slower to accelerate and heavier to move. This can put strain on your back.
A convertible double buggy is another alternative. It is initially one, but you can add adapters to convert it into double. It can have an additional seat or carrycot in the front or children can be seated side-by-side. Some may have the option of including a buggyboard, which helps an older child keep pace with younger siblings or brothers.
The Uppababy Vista V2 is a excellent 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 newborns. They can be positioned on top of each other or positioned to face each other and you can also use them with the baby car seat that comes with the pushchair (as as long as you select an appropriate one). These buggies with dual-use capabilities are made of quality materials and can last for many years without showing any wear. This means they come with an excellent resale value.
Single-to-Double
This compact double buggy is made for families who love to go on outdoor adventures and would like to upgrade from a single-stroller. It can be transformed into a jogger with kits that include air-filled tires and all-wheel-suspension. It also handles rough terrain well and is a tandem triple is ideal for twins or children of various ages. It's a great choice for parents who want a stylish design that is as sleek as a single and is available in a variety of colors.
We loved the way that this iCandy model folds up using a single-hand mechanism that's very easy to master. Although it's heavier than other pushchairs that are single-to-double in this review, home tester Karolina stated that it feels very maneuverable - even when she had two toddlers and a carrycot.
The seat can be used parent-facing and you can purchase additional accessories for this stroller, such as the Roma Gemini carrycots (PS100 each) which are great for newborns. Our test panel found that the seats to be comfortable for toddlers and had good headrests and lumbar support. There are plenty of options for reclining in the front, with the seat adjusting to various positions, and the rear seat offering a recline option.
The main drawback to this kind of buggy is that it's generally wider overall than side-by-side doubles and makes it difficult to get through doorways and can be tricky to maneuver around kerbs. However, the wheels and suspension on these models generally do a good job of handling paved surfaces, and the fact that they're usually much lighter than some of the side-bysides means that you still have plenty of storage space. It's important to keep in mind that strollers of this type aren't as good at getting through narrow aisles in supermarkets and can struggle to cope with a lot of shopping. Even though it's easier to turn the stroller around on a narrow curved path, this can 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 great thing about convertible double pushchairs is the ability to adapt to a family's changing requirements. They typically start as single buggies, and have adapters that allow you to add a second seat, a carrycot or (in certain cases) an automobile seat to the frame. Some can be converted back to a single when your older child starts to walk or wants to ride a buggyboard.
One of the lightest double strollers on our list, this fashionable tri-fold model can hold children as heavy as 40 pounds each. It comes with a convenient basket that can be placed between the seats for storage. The spacious canopy with a peekaboo window, multi-position reclining chairs and front and back suspensions to ensure smoother riding on rough terrain were well-loved by the home testers. It also has a convenient parent cup holder and an ample, easy-to-access basket. They also noted that the backs have tiny pockets, which are just big enough to fit a phone and a set of keys.
This premium, lightweight side-by-side can be used in more than 20 configurations and comes with two seats and a carrycot. Its impressive features include a high-profile handlebar for easier steering as well as rear and front suspensions to smooth rough terrain; a self-standing compact fold that has straps for easy schlepping and seven-inch swivel lock front wheels and back wheels that measure 10 inches with suspension for a smoother ride. The only downside is that you'll have to purchase a separate baby carrier or car seat.
This versatile tandem is a top pick by our home testers due to its maneuverability and large shopping basket, which is accessible from both seats in the parent-facing position. Its light weight (about the same as a few single pushchairs) makes it a breeze to move. Many users praise the clever way it attaches the second seat or riding board to the back. Parents also appreciated the fact that it can accommodate car seats and infant carriers from a variety of brands. This includes some that are not typically compatible with other double buggies.