Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
A compact double pushchair makes it easy to move around, especially if you have children of various ages. They're typically simple to fold, steer and carry up and down the stairs.
This City Mini GT2 offers side-by-side seats with plenty of legroom, adjustable reclining and massive UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows. It also comes with a smart frame that expands widthways to take a second seat and a compatible car seat(s).
Side-by-Side
The majority of the lightweight double pushchairs we tested were side-by-side models. They are ideal for children who can sit without assistance, as they aren't as likely to have car seat compatibility. That said they do have a few advantages. Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double are both top choices that have adjustable recline in both seats, a huge canopy, and padded 5-point harnesses. They're also easy to maneuver despite their larger footprint and are perfect for parents who are worried about fitting through doors.
The Cybex Duet is a little different due to its clever frame that extends its width to create another seat, making it smaller than other pushchairs with side-by-side seating available. It is able to pass through standard doors and is easy to maneuver on public transport. It's also a jogger, which is a great feature if you want to use it in conjunction with an infant carrier or 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, which offers even more flexibility and customization thanks to its modular frame. It has a smart design that lets you convert it into a single stroller 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 makes one of the lightest and stylish umbrella strollers on the market.
Try the egg2 which folds down to the size and weight of a compact suitcase. It can be used either as a single or double by adding 2 carrycots or baby car seats. Our home testers were impressed with how easy it was to move around, even with a full load of children.
Side-by-side pushchairs that are lightweight aren't 100% foolproof, however- if your children are at the same age or stage they might still argue over who is allowed to ride in which seat. And if they're different heights, a tandem style might be better for them as it allows them to confront each other.
Tandem
While side-by-side models are best suited to siblings of similar age group, tandem light double strollers have their own charms. Some can accommodate a larger car seat and others come with seats that can be reversible. Others even have an extra carrycot or a reversible seat in the middle. They are generally more spacious and easier to get in and out of, although their baskets are typically smaller than those on single buggies. Many also feature more generously 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 is another example of a good-value lightweight tandem. The fabric is a bit less luxurious than those of some of our top-rated doubles. However, it still looks fantastic and is simple to use. Its one-handed folding is awe-inspiring. Even though it requires some time to master, Kirstie from our Lab called it "genius". The carrycot is not foldable when it is attached. However, the process to attach and remove the carrycot is easy and quick.
Tandem strollers that are lightweight usually make tighter turning than side-byside models. However, they may be harder to navigate on uneven surfaces and curbs. They are also a little slower to speed up and may be heavier to move, which could result in stress on your back.
A convertible double buggy is another option. It is initially a single but you can also add adapters to convert it into a double. It can also have the option of a second seat, a carrycot or both in front. Children can sit together. Some may have the option of including a buggyboard, which assists an older child to keep pace with a younger brother or sister.
The Uppababy Vista V2 is a excellent example of a convertible, since it can be converted into a twin pram by the purchase of additional cocoons (PS59 each) which create a lay-flat space for infants. They can be positioned side by side or attached to one another and you can use them in conjunction with the infant car seat that is included with the pushchair (as long as you choose an appropriate one). These buggies for dual-use are made of quality materials and can last for many years without showing any wear. This means they have a high resale price.
Single-to-Double
Ideal for families who love to be outdoors and are looking to upgrade from a single stroller, this lightweight double buggy turns into a jogger thanks an innovative kit that includes air-filled tyres, as well as all-wheel suspension. It is also a good option for twins or children of different ages and, as a triple tandem, it's able to handle rough terrain. It's also a good choice for parents who want a stylish design that's as sleek as a single and comes in a variety of fabrics.
We were impressed by the way this iCandy model folds down with a one-handed mechanism that's really simple to master. It's heavier than other single-to double pushchairs, but our home test Karolina says it's still very maneuverable even with two toddlers and carrying a carrycot.
You can buy add-ons like the Roma Gemini Carrycots (PS100) which are great for babies. Our test panel found that the seats to be comfortable for toddlers, with excellent headrests and lumbar support. There are plenty of options for reclining, with the front seat being adjustable to different positions and the rear seat having a recline option.
This type of buggy comes with the greatest disadvantage of being larger than the side-by-side doubles. This makes it difficult to maneuver through doorways, and it isn't easy to maneuver between kerbs. The suspension and wheels of these strollers are generally good at coping 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 around supermarkets with narrow aisles, and they can be difficult to carry a large amount. Although it's much easier to turn the stroller on a small curved path, this can be a hassle. Some are also more easy to turn than others, like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double, for instance.
Convertible
The benefit of convertible double pushchairs is that they are able to adapt to a family's changing requirements. Often, they start as single buggies. They come with adapters that allow you to add a second child's seat, a carrycot, or (in certain instances) the car seat to the frame. Some can even convert back 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 on our list. It can hold up to 40lbs per child and has an extra storage basket in between the seats. Home testers appreciated its spacious canopy that has windows that can be seen from the outside, multi-position reclining seats and front and rear suspensions for smoother rides on rough terrain. It also comes with a handy cup holder for parents and a large, easy-to-access basket. However, they pointed out that the backs of the seats have pockets that are not big enough to hold more than a smartphone and keys.
This light, high-end side-byside is available in more than 20 configurations. It also comes with a second seat and carrycot. Its impressive feature set includes a handlebar with a high-profile design 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 wheel lock that swivels in the front and 10-inch rear wheels with suspension for a smoother ride. The only downside is that you'll have to buy a separate baby carrier or car seat.
This versatile tandem is the most popular of our home testers because it is simple to maneuver and features an enormous shopping basket that can be accessed from both seats when in the parent-facing position. Its surprisingly lightweight weight (about the same as a few single pushchairs) makes it a breeze to move. Many people praise the clever method of attaching the second seat or riding board in the back. Parents also loved that it accommodates infant carriers and car seats from various brands. This includes some that are not typically compatible with other double buggies.