Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
It's easy to move around with a light double pushchair, especially if you have kids of varying ages. They are easy to fold, steer and carry up and over stairs.
This City Mini GT2 offers side-by-side seats with plenty of legroom with adjustable reclining, as well as massive UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows. It also features a smart frame that can expand in width to accommodate a second car seat, and also a compatible car seat(s).
Side-by-Side
The majority of the light double pushchairs we tried were side-by-side models. They are ideal for children who can sit without assistance, as they aren't as likely to have compatibility with car seats. That said they do have a few advantages. Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double are both great options that provide recline that can be adjusted in both seats, a wide canopy, and padded 5-point harnesses. They're also easy to move despite their larger footprint and are perfect for parents who worry about fitting through doors.
The Cybex Duet pushchair is unique because of its clever frame that expands to accommodate an additional child seat. This makes it lighter than other pushchairs with side-by-side seating. It can fit through doors of standard size and is easy to maneuver in public transportation. It is also a jogger, which is ideal when you are planning to use it with an infant car seat or baby carrier.
Another fantastic side-by-side light double is the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, which allows for even more flexibility and customization thanks to its modular frame. It's a clever design that lets you turn it into a single buggy or a double by incorporating 2 carrycots or car seats (it can even take twins). It's a good option for families that are growing. The UPPAbaby umbrella stroller is one of the lightest, most fashionable and stylish strollers available.
If you prefer a more compact, lightweight double, consider the egg2 that folds down to the size of a compact suitcase. It can be used as a single or a double by adding 2 carrycots or infant car seats and our home testers were awed by the sleek and easy it was to handle, even when fully loaded with kids.
Although they're lightweight double pushchairs that sit side-by-side are not foolproof. If your children are at the same age and stage, they could still argue over who sits in which position. If they're different heights it could be that a tandem design might be better for them as it lets them face each other.
Tandem
While side-by-side models are better suited for siblings who are the same age, tandem lightweight double pushchairs have their own charms. Some can fit carseats that are larger, and some have reversible seats. Others even have an additional carrycot or convertible seat in the middle. They are more spacious and easy to get into and out of. However, their baskets tend to be smaller than those on single buggies. Many also feature more generously large canopies that have peekaboo windows and a cup holder for parents and cushioned leg cushions for the little ones.
The iCandy Peach is another example of a great value lightweight tandem. The fabrics are a little less luxurious than some of our top-rated doubles. However, it still looks stunning and is easy to use. One of the most impressive aspects about it is the one-handed fold. Although it requires practice, Kirstie in our Lab said it's "genius". It can't be folded with the carrycot attached however, the mechanism for attaching and removing it is easy and quick.
Tandem lightweight double strollers will generally have a more precise turning compared to side-by-side models. However, they may be more difficult to navigate on uneven surfaces and curbs. They can also be slower to accelerate and more heavy to move. This can put stress on your back.
Another alternative is a convertible double buggy which is initially one-person, but you can add adapters that turn it into a double. It could include the option of a second seat, a carrycot, or both in front. The children can share a seat. Some may have the option of including a buggyboard, which helps an older child keep pace with a younger brother or sister.
The Uppababy Vista V2 is a excellent example of a convertible as it can also convert into a twin pram with the purchase of additional cocoons (PS59 each) which create a lay-flat area for infants. They can be joined or placed side-by-side. You can also use the car seat that was included with the pushchair, in the event that it is compatible with the. These buggies with dual-use capabilities are made from high-quality materials and can be used for a long time 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 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 as well as all-wheel suspension. It can also handle rough terrain well and it's a tandem triple that is ideal for twins or children of various age groups. It's also a good choice for parents who are looking for a stylish design that's as sleek as a single, and comes in a variety of fabric colours.
This iCandy model is easy to fold using the use of a single hand. And although it's heavier than the other single-to-double pushchairs featured in this review, our home tester Karolina claimed that it feels very maneuverable - even when she had two toddlers and a carrycot in it.
The seat can be used with the parent facing and you can buy add-ons for this stroller like the Roma Gemini carrycots (PS100 each) that are perfect for babies. Our panel of testers found that the seats were comfortable for toddlers, with good headrests and lumbar support. And there are plenty of options for recline, with the front seat being adjustable to different positions and the rear seat offering the option of recline.
This type of buggy has the biggest disadvantage of being a bit wider than doubles that are side-by-side. This makes it difficult to maneuver through doorways, and it can be difficult to move up and down kerbs. However, the wheels and suspension on these types of strollers generally perform well in dealing with pavements and the fact that they're much lighter than some of the side-by-sides means you can still find plenty of storage space. It's important to keep in mind that these types of strollers aren't as good at getting through narrow aisles in supermarkets, and may struggle to handle a large amount of shopping. Even though it's easier to turn the stroller around on a small curved path, this can still be a challenge. Some are easier to turn than others models, like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double or the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double.
Convertible
Convertible double pushchairs are fantastic because they are able to be adapted to the changing requirements of the family. Most of the time, they begin as single buggies. They have adapters that allow you to add a second child's seat or carrycot, or (in some instances) the car seat to the frame. Some can even convert back to a single when your child grows older and begins to walk or prefers to ride on buggy boards.
This stylish tri-fold double stroller is one of the lightest on our list. It can carry up to 40 lbs per child, and includes a storage basket between the seats. The spacious canopy with peekaboo window, multi-position reclining chairs and a front and back suspension for smoother and more comfortable riding on rough terrain were appreciated by testers at home. It also has a convenient cup holder for the parent and a large, easy-to access basket. They also noted that the backs have tiny pockets, that are just sufficient to hold a phone and a set of keys.
This light, high-end side-byside is available in more than 20 models. It also includes a second chair and carrycot. Its impressive set of features includes an ergonomic handlebar with a high profile for better 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 10-inch rear wheels with suspension for a smoother ride. The only drawback is that you'll need to purchase a separate baby carriage or car seat.
This versatile tandem is a top choice by our home testers due to its maneuverability and large shopping basket, which is accessible from both seats in the parent-facing position. Its surprisingly light weight (about the same as single pushchairs) makes it a breeze to maneuver. Many users praise the clever way it connects the second seat or riding board at the back. Parents also appreciated the fact that it can accommodate infant carriers and car seats from various brands. This includes a few that aren't normally compatible with other double buggies.