Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
A lightweight double pushchair is easy to move around, especially for families with children of different age groups. They are generally easy to fold, steer, and transport up and down stairs.
This City Mini GT2 offers side-by-side seats with plenty of legroom, adjustable reclining and huge UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. It also has frames that can be expanded in width to accommodate an additional car seat or another passenger.
Side-by-Side
The majority of light double pushchairs that we test are side-byside models and are generally recommended for children that can sit up on their own because they tend to lack car seat integration. That said, the 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 large canopy, and padded 5-point harnesses. They are also easy to maneuver, despite their larger footprint. They 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 on the market. This means it can fit through standard doors and is easy to maneuver on public transportation. It can also be used as a jogger which is great if you plan to use it in conjunction with an infant car seat or baby carrier.
Another fantastic side-by-side light double is the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, that offers more customization through a modular frame. It features a clever design that lets you transform it into a single buggy or a double by adding 2 carrycots or car seats (it can even take twins). It's a great option for growing families. The UPPAbaby umbrella stroller is also one of the lightest, sexiest and stylish strollers available.
Try the egg2 that folds down to the size and weight of a small suitcase. It can be used as a single or double by adding two carrycots or infant car seats, and our home testers were awed by how sleek and simple it was to use even when loaded with children.
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 still argue over who sits in which seat. If they're at different heights then the tandem model could be ideal for them as it lets them face each other.
Tandem
While side-byside models might be better suited for siblings of the same age, tandem lightweight double pushchairs are a different kind of pushchair with their own appeal. They can be fitted with a larger car seat, and some have reversible seats or an extra carrycot that is located in the middle. They tend to be more spacious and simple to move into and out of the baskets, though they are typically smaller than those of single buggies. They often have larger large canopies that have peekaboo windows as well as a parent cup holder and padding for the legs of young children.
The iCandy Peach tandem is another great example of a lightweight tandem that offers great value. Its fabrics feel a little less expensive than our other top-rated tandems, but it still looks and feels great and is very easy to use. One of the most impressive aspects about it is its one-handed fold - although it requires practice, Kirstie in our Lab has said it's "genius". The carrycot is not foldable while 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 can be difficult to drive on uneven surfaces or curbs. They may also be a little slower to accelerate and may be heavier to move, which could result in strain on your back.
Another option is a convertible double buggy which starts off as a single and then you can add adapters to make it into a double. They can include an additional seat, a carrycot, or both in front. Children can share a seat. Some have the option of including a buggyboard that assists an older child to keep up with younger siblings or brothers.
The Uppababy Vista V2 is a excellent 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 area for infants. They can be positioned in a row or joined to each other's faces and you can also use them with the infant car seat that is included with the pushchair (as as long as you choose an appropriate one). As they're made with quality materials, these kinds of buggies that are dual-use can be used for years without showing much wear, meaning they have high potential for resale.
Single-to-Double
This light double buggy is designed for families who love the outdoors and are looking to upgrade from a single-stroller. It can be transformed into a jogger using kits that include air-filled tires and all-wheel suspension. It can also withstand rough terrain well and, as a tandem triple, is perfect for twins or children of various age groups. It's an excellent choice for parents who want a stylish style that's as elegant as a single. It comes in various colors of fabric.
pushchair twin is incredibly easy to fold using a one-handed system. It's heavier than other single-to double pushchairs, but our home test Karolina says it's very maneuverable even with two toddlers inside and carrying a carrycot.
You can buy add-ons such as the Roma Gemini Carrycots (PS100) which are great for babies. The seats are comfortable for toddlers with excellent headrests and lumbar support. There are plenty of options for reclining in the front, with the seat being able to be adjusted to different positions and the rear seat offering the option to recline.
The biggest drawback of this kind of buggy is that it is generally wider overall than side-by-side doubles, which makes it harder to get through doorways and is difficult to manoeuvre up and down kerbs. The wheels and suspension of these strollers are generally able to cope with pavements. They're also lighter than many side-by-sides and, therefore, you can get a lot of storage. It's worth bearing in mind that these strollers aren't as good at walking through the narrow aisles of supermarkets and can struggle to cope with a lot of shopping. Although it's much easier to turn the stroller on a narrow, curving path, it can be a problem. Some are easier to turn than others, such as the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double or Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double.
Convertible
Convertible double pushchairs are ideal because they can be adapted to the changing requirements of the family. They often start out as single buggies, but come with adapters to add the second seat, a carrycot, or (in some cases) a car seat to the frame. Some can be converted back to a single when your older child starts to walk or prefers to ride a buggyboard.
One of the most lightweight double strollers on our list, this sleek tri-fold model is able to hold children up to 40lbs each. It also has a convenient basket that can be placed between the seats for storage. The spacious canopy with a peekaboo window, multi-position reclining seats and a front and back suspensions to ensure smoother riding on rough terrain were appreciated by the home testers. It also has a handy cup holder for the parent and an ample, easy-to-access basket. However, they pointed out that the backs of the seats have pockets that are not big enough to accommodate anything more than a phone and keys.
This lightweight, high-end side-by-side is available in more than 20 models. It also comes with a second seat and carrycot. It features a high-profile steering handlebar, rear and front suspensions to smooth rough terrain, it folds compactly and stands up on its own with straps to make it easy to transport, and seven-inch front wheels with swivel locks and ten-inch back wheels with suspensions for an easier ride. The only drawback is that you'll need to purchase a separate baby carrier or car seat.
This multi-functional tandem is a top pick from our home testers due to its easy-to-maneuver size and impressively large shopping basket, which is accessible with both seats facing towards the parent. Its surprisingly lightweight weight (about the same as a few single pushchairs) makes it easy to maneuver. Many have praised the clever way it attaches the second seat or riding board to the back. Parents also appreciated that it accommodates infant carriers and car seats from various brands. This includes some that are not typically compatible with other double buggies.