A Provocative Rant About Double Pushchair
Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
It's easy to move around in the lightweight double pushchair particularly if you have children of different age groups. They are easy to fold, steer and carry up and down the steps.
This City Mini GT2 features side-by-side seating with plenty of legroom. It also features adjustable reclining, large UPF 50+ canopies and windows that peek out. It also has a frame that expands in the width to accommodate an additional car seat or a second passenger.
Side-by-Side
The majority of lightweight double travel stroller pushchairs we've test are side-byside models and they're generally best for children that can sit up unassisted, as these models tend to be lacking car seat integration. However, the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double are both top choices that have recline that can be adjusted in both seats, a large canopy, and padded 5-point harnesses. They are also easy to move around despite their larger footprint. They are ideal for parents who are worried about getting through doors.
The Cybex Duet pushchair is unique because of its clever frame that expands to allow for another child seat. This makes it slimmer than other pushchairs that are side-by-side. It is able to pass through doors of standard size and is easy to maneuver on public transport. It also doubles as a jogger which is great if you plan to use it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carrier.
Another fantastic side-by-side light double is the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, that offers more customization with a modular frame. The clever design allows the conversion of a double or single buggy by adding two carrycots or child car seats. It can even accommodate twins. It is a practical option for families that are growing. The UPPAbaby umbrella stroller is one of the lightest, sexiest and stylish strollers available.
If you prefer a more compact and lightweight double, you can try the egg2 that folds down to the size of a compact suitcase. It can be used as a single or a double with the addition of 2 carrycots or infant car seats and our home testers were awed by how sleek and simple it was to handle even when stuffed with kids.
Side-by-side lightweight twin buggy double pushchairs aren't 100% foolproof, howeverwhen your children are the same age or stage they might still argue over who gets to ride 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 are more appropriate for siblings with similar ages tandem pushchairs that are lightweight are a different kind of pushchair with their own appeal. They can accommodate a larger car seat, and some have seats that can be reversible or a carrycot that is located in the middle. They are bigger, and easier to get into and out of. However their baskets tend to be smaller than the ones found on buggies that are single. They often have larger canopy with windows that peek out and padded leg cushions.
The iCandy Peach is another example of a good-value lightweight tandem. The fabrics are less luxurious than some of our top-rated doubles. But, it looks stunning and is easy to use. One of the most compact double stroller impressive things about it is the one-handed fold. Although it does require practice, Kirstie in our Lab declared it to be "genius". It can't be folded with the carrycot attached, however the mechanism for attaching and taking it off it is simple and quick.
Tandem strollers are light and lightweight. They typically have tighter turning capabilities 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 are heavier to move, which can cause stress on your back.
Another option is a convertible double Buggy (glamorouslengths.com), which is initially an individual and then you can add adapters that turn it into a double running buggy. It can have the option of a second seat or carrycot in front or children can be seated side-by-side. Some of them also have the option of adding buggy boards that can help older children keep up with a younger sibling.
The Uppababy Vista V2 can be transformed into a twin-sized stroller by purchasing additional cocoons for PS59 each. These cocoons create a flat space for newborns. These can be placed on top of each other or positioned to each other's faces, and you can use them with the infant car seat that comes with the pushchair (as long as you choose the right one). As they're made with quality materials, these kinds of dual-use buggies can often be used for years without displaying much wear, meaning they have high price resales.
Single-to-Double
For families who love the outdoors and want to upgrade from a single stroller, this lightweight double buggy transforms into a jogger thanks to an impressive kit that comes with air-filled tyres as well as all-wheel suspension. It also handles rough terrain well and it's a tandem triple that is suitable for twins or children of different ages. It's also a great choice for parents who are looking for an elegant design that's just as elegant as a single and is available in a range of fabric colours.
We loved the way that this iCandy model folds down using a single-hand mechanism that's really simple to master. It's also heavier than some of the other pushchairs that are single-to-double in this review, home tester Karolina stated that it feels extremely maneuverable, even when she had two toddlers and a carrycot.
You can buy add-ons like the Roma Gemini Carrycots (PS100) that are ideal for infants. The seats are comfortable for toddlers with high-quality headrests and lumbar supports. And there are a variety of options for recline, with the front seat being adjustable to different positions, and the rear seat offering the option to recline.
The biggest drawback of this type of buggy is that it is generally larger overall than the side-by-side doubles which makes it more difficult to navigate through doorways and can be tricky to maneuver around kerbs. However, the wheels and suspension on these models generally do a good job of coping with paved surfaces and the fact that they're generally lighter than the side-by-sides means you can still have a decent amount of storage space. These strollers aren't easy to maneuver in supermarkets with narrow aisles and they might struggle to carry a lot. It's easier to turn them around on the smallest of curved paths but even this can be difficult. Some are also more easy to turn than others, with the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and the 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 needs. They typically start as single buggies, but have adapters that allow you to add an additional seat, carrycot or (in certain instances) the car seat to the frame. Some of them can be converted back to a single as your child grows older and begins to walk more or wants to ride on a buggy board.
One of the lightest double strollers on our list, this fashionable tri-fold model is able to hold children up to 40 lbs each and features a handy basket in between the seats to store things. Home testers appreciated its large canopy with windows that peek out, multi-position reclining seats and front and rear suspension for smoother rides on rough terrain. It also has a handy cup holder for the parent and an ample, easy-to-access basket. However, they noticed that the seats' backs have small pockets that aren't large 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 includes a second chair 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 with handy straps for easy schlepping and seven-inch wheel lock that swivels in the front and 10-inch back wheels with suspension to provide a more comfortable ride. The only downside is that you'll need buy a separate baby carrier or car seat.
This multi-functional tandem is a top pick among our home testers for its easy-to-maneuver size and impressively large shopping basket that is accessible with both seats facing the parent. It is a breeze to maneuver due to its light weight (about the same as a few single pushchairs). Reversible seats mean they can be switched to face either direction and the clever way that it connects a second seat or riding board to the rear is highly praised by many. Parents also appreciated the fact that it can accommodate infant carriers and car seats from various brands, including some that don't normally fit in other double pram pushchair buggies.