Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
A light double pushchair is easy to get around, particularly if you have children of different ages. They are easy to fold, steer and transport up and down the steps.
This City Mini GT2 features side-by-side seating with plenty of legroom. It also features adjustable reclining, UPF 50+ canopies and windows that peek out. It also comes with a smart frame that can be expanded to accommodate a second seat and a compatible car seat(s).
Side-by-Side
The majority of the lightweight double pushchairs that we test are side-byside models and are generally recommended for children who can sit up on their own because they aren't equipped with car seat integration. That said there are some exceptions. Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double are both excellent options that offer recline that can be adjusted in both seats, a wide canopy, and padded five-point harnesses. They're also easy to move despite their larger footprints, and are ideal for parents worried about fitting through doorways.
The Cybex Duet is a little different due to its clever frame that expands widthways to add an additional seat, making it slimmer than most other side-by-side pushchairs on the market. It can fit through standard doors and is easy to maneuver on public transportation. It is also an jogger which is perfect if you plan to use it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carrier.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double is another great side-by-side, lightweight double. It offers additional flexibility due to a modular frame. It has a smart design that allows you to turn it into a single buggy or a double by incorporating 2 carrycots or car seats (it can even accommodate twins). It's a great option for families with growing children, and the UPPAbaby also is one of the tiniest and most fashionable umbrella strollers available.
If you're looking for a compact, lightweight double, consider the egg2 which folds down to the size of a tiny suitcase. It can be used either as a single or double by adding 2 baby car seats or carrycots. Our test subjects were awed by the ease of maneuver even with a full load of children.
Double pushchairs with side-by-side seating aren't 100% foolproof, howeverIf your children are at the same age or stage they might be fighting over who rides in which seat. If they're different heights it could be that a tandem design might be better for them as it will allow them to look at each other.
Tandem
While side-by-side models may be more appropriate for siblings of the same age, tandem lightweight double pushchairs are a different kind of pushchair with their own appeal. Some can accommodate an extra car seat, while others come with reversible seats. Some even come with an extra carrycot or a reversible seat in the middle. They are generally more spacious and simple to get in and out of, although their baskets tend to be smaller than the ones on single buggies. They also have larger big canopies with windows that peek out, as well as one cup holder for parents and cushioned leg cushions for the young children.
The iCandy Peach tandem is another great example of a lightweight tandem that provides an excellent value. The fabric is a little less expensive than our other top-rated doubles however, it still looks and feels great and is easy to use. One of the most striking things about it is its one-handed fold. While best compact double stroller requires practice, Kirstie in our Lab has said it's "genius". The carrycot cannot be folded while it is attached. However, the process to attach and remove the carrycot is simple and quick.
Tandem double pushchairs are light and lightweight. They generally have tighter turns than side-by-side models however they are more difficult to drive over bumps and uneven surfaces. They are also slower to accelerate and more heavy to move. This can put strain on your back.
A convertible double buggy is an additional option. It's initially one, but you can add adapters to make it a double. These can include an additional seat or carrycot in front or children can be seated side-byside. Some may have the option of including a buggyboard, which can help an older child keep pace with younger siblings or brothers.
The Uppababy Vista V2 is a good example of a convertible, as it can also convert into a twin pram by the purchase of additional cocoons (PS59 each) that create a lie-flat space for newborns. They can be placed in a row or joined to face each other and you can use them with the infant car seat that is included with the pushchair (as long as you choose an appropriate one). Because they're made from high-quality materials, these kinds of dual-use buggies can often be used for years without showing any wear, indicating they have the highest potential for resale.
Single-to-Double
This compact double buggy is designed for families who love to go on outdoor adventures and are looking to upgrade from a single-stroller. It can be converted into a jogger with a kit that includes air-filled tires and all-wheel-suspension. It's also a good option for twins, or children of different ages, and as a triple tandem, it is able to be able to handle the rough terrain. It's also a good option for parents looking for a stylish design that's as elegant as a single and is available in a range of fabric colours.
We loved the way this iCandy model folds into itself with just one hand, making it really simple to master. Although it's heavier than some of the other pushchairs that are single-to-double in this review, home tester Karolina claimed that it feels extremely maneuverable, even with two toddlers and a carrycot in it.
You can purchase add-ons such as the Roma Gemini Carrycots (PS100) which are great for babies. Our test panel found the seats to be comfortable for toddlers, with excellent lumbar support and headrests. There are a variety of options to recline the seats and the front seat is adjustable in various positions and the back seat offering a reclining option.
The biggest drawback with this kind of buggy is that it tends to be larger overall than the side-by-side doubles, which makes it harder to navigate through doorways and can be tricky to maneuver up and down kerbs. However, the wheels and suspension on these models generally perform well in dealing with pavements and the fact that they're much lighter than some of the side-by-sides, means you still have a decent amount of storage space. It's important to keep in mind that these strollers aren't as efficient in getting through narrow aisles in supermarkets and can struggle to handle a lot of shopping. It's a little easier to turn them around on the smallest curves of paths but even this can be difficult. Some are more easy to turn than other, such as the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double or the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double.
Convertible
The best thing about convertible double pushchairs is that they are able to adapt to changing family requirements. Often, they start as single buggies. They come with adapters that allow you to include a second child's seat or a carrycot (in some instances) an automobile seat to the frame. Some even convert to a single when your child grows older and begins to walk more or prefers to ride on buggy boards.
This stylish tri-fold double stroller is among of the lightest strollers on our list. It can carry up to 40lbs per child, and includes an integrated storage basket between the seats. Home testers appreciated its spacious canopy with peekaboo windows with multi-position reclining seats as well as front and rear suspensions to ensure smoother rides on rough terrain. It also comes with a handy cup holder for parents and an ample, easy-to-access basket. They also noted that the backs of the bags have small pockets which are just large enough to hold a phone and a set of keys.
This high-end, lightweight side-by-side can be used in more than 20 different configurations, and comes with an additional seat and carrycot. Its impressive set of features includes a high-profile handlebar for easier steering and a rear and front suspension to smooth rough terrain; a self-standing compact fold that has straps for easy schlepping; and seven-inch swing lock front wheels and 10-inch back wheels with suspension to provide a more comfortable ride. The only drawback is that you will need to purchase a separate car seat or baby carrier.
This versatile tandem is a top choice from our home testers due to its maneuverability and large shopping basket that is accessible with both seats facing towards the parent. Its light weight (about the same as single pushchairs) makes it a breeze to move around. Many users praise the clever method of attaching the second seat or riding board at the back. Parents also liked the fact that it could accommodate infant carriers and car seats from a variety of brands, including some that don't normally fit in other double buggies.
