24 Hours To Improve Double Pushchair
Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
A light double buggy with carrycot pushchair makes it easy to get around, particularly for families with children of different ages. They are easy to fold, steer and transport up and over steps.
This City Mini GT2 features side-by-side seating with plenty of legroom. It also features adjustable reclining, UPF 50+ canopy, and windows that peek out. It also has a clever frame that expands widthways to take a second seat and a compatible car seat(s).
Side-by-Side
The majority of lightweight double pushchairs that we tested are side-by-side models and they're generally best for kids who can stand up without assistance, as these models tend to be lacking car seat integration. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double, are both excellent choices. They offer recline that can be adjusted for both seats, a large canopy, and padded five-point safety harnesses. They're also easy to move despite their bigger footprint, and are ideal for parents who worry about fitting through doorways.
The Cybex Duet is a little different due to its unique frame that expands widthways to add a second seat, which makes it lighter than the majority of other pushchairs that are side-by-side on the market. It is able to pass through doors of standard size and is easy to maneuver in public transport. It can also be used as a jogger, which is ideal if you plan to use it in conjunction with an infant car seat or a baby carrier.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double is another excellent lightweight side-by-side double. It allows for additional flexibility due to a modular frame. It features a clever design that lets you transform it into a single stroller or a double by incorporating 2 carrycots or car seats (it can even take twins). It is a practical option for growing families. The UPPAbaby umbrella stroller is also one of the lightest, most stylish and fashionable strollers you can find.
If you prefer a more compact, lightweight double stroller with car seat, consider the egg2 which folds to the size of a compact suitcase. It can be used either as a double or a single by adding 2 baby car seats or carrycots. Our test subjects were awed by the ease of move, even with a full load of children.
Side-by-side lightweight double pushchairs aren't foolproof, though -If your children are the same age or stage they may still fight over who is allowed to ride in which seat. If they're different heights it could be that a tandem design might be more suitable for them since it lets them look at each other.
Tandem
While side-by-side models may be more suitable for siblings who are the same age, tandem lightweight double pushchairs offer their own perks. They can take a bigger car seat, and some come with reversible seats or an extra carrycot in the middle. They are larger and are easier to get in and out of. However, their baskets tend to be smaller than those found on buggies that are single. Many also feature more generously big canopies with windows that peek out and a cup holder for the parent and padding for the legs of little ones.
The iCandy Peach tandem is another great example of a lightweight tandem that provides great value. The fabric is a little less luxurious than our other top-rated doubles, but it still looks and feels great and is very user-friendly. Its one-handed folding is impressive. Even though it requires some time to master, Kirstie from our Lab called it "genius". It's not foldable with the carrycot attached however, the mechanism for attaching and taking it off it is simple and quick.
Tandem lightweight double pushchairs will typically make tighter turns than side-by-side models, however, they can be more difficult to drive over uneven surfaces and curbs. They are also slower to accelerate and are heavier to move. This can put strain on your back.
Another option is a convertible double buggy which is initially a single and then you can add adapters that turn it into a double. It can have the option of a second seat or carrycot in front or the kids can be seated side-byside. Some of them also offer the option of adding buggy boards that can help older children keep up with younger siblings.
The Uppababy Vista V2 can be converted into a twin-sized pram by purchasing additional cocoons for PS59 each. These cocoons create a flat space for newborns. They can be attached together or placed side-by-side. You can also use the car seat that came with the pushchair if it is compatible. These buggies for dual-use are made of quality materials and can be used for many years without showing any wear. This means they have an excellent resale value.
Single-to-Double
This lightweight double buggy was designed for families who love to go on outdoor adventures and would like to upgrade from an individual-stroller. It can be converted into a jogger using a kit that includes air-filled tires and all-wheel-suspension. It is also a good choice for twins, or children of different ages and, as triple tandem, it's able to handle rough terrain. It's also a good option for parents who are looking for an elegant design that's as sleek as a single, and comes in a variety of fabrics.
We loved the way that this iCandy model folds up using a single-hand mechanism that's really easy to master. It's also heavier than the other single-to-double pushchairs in this review, home tester Karolina said that it still feels extremely maneuverable, even when she had two toddlers and a carrycot inside.
The seat can be used parent-facing and you can purchase accessories for this stroller, such as the Roma Gemini carrycots (PS100 each) that are perfect for babies. The seats are comfortable for toddlers with good headrests and lumbar support. And there are a variety of options for recline in the front, with the seat being adjustable to different positions and the rear seat offering the option to recline.
The main drawback to this kind of buggy is that it is generally larger overall than doubles that are side-by-side and makes it difficult to maneuver through doorways, and can be difficult to maneuver around kerbs. However, the wheels and suspension are generally able to are capable of handling paved surfaces, and the fact that they're much lighter than some of the side-by-sides, means you still have plenty of storage space. It's important to remember that these strollers aren't as efficient in walking through the narrow aisles of supermarkets and aren't able to handle a lot of shopping. It's a little easier to turn them around on the smallest curves of paths however, it can be difficult to turn them around on a straight path. Some are easier to turn than others models, like the Thule Urban Glide 2 double infant stroller or Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double.
Convertible
The benefit of convertible double pushchairs is the ability to adapt to a family's changing requirements. They often start out as single buggies and include adapters to add a second seat, carrycot or (in certain instances) an automobile seat to the frame. Some can be converted to a single buggie when your older child starts to walk or prefers to ride buggyboards.
This stylish tri-fold double stroller is among of the lightest on our list. It can hold up to 40 pounds per child, and includes a storage basket between the seats. The large canopy with a peekaboo window, multi-position reclining seats and a front and back suspension for smoother riding on rough terrain were appreciated by the home testers. It also comes with a convenient parent cup holder, and an ample easy-to-access basket. However, they noticed that the seats' backs have tiny pockets that aren't big enough to hold more than a cell phone and keys.
This high-end, lightweight side-by-side is available in more than 20 models. It also includes a second chair and carrycot. It features a high-profile steering handlebar, front and rear suspensions that smooth rough terrain and it folds compactly and stands up on its own with straps that make it easy to transportation, and seven-inch front wheel with swivel locks, and ten-inch back wheels with suspensions to ensure an easier ride. The only drawback is that you will need to purchase an additional car seat or baby carrier.
This multi-functional tandem is the most popular of our home testers because it is easy to maneuver and comes with a large shopping basket that is accessible from both seats when in the parent-facing position. It is easy to maneuver thanks to its light weight (about the equivalent of some single pushchairs). The seats are reversible, which means that you can switch them around to face either direction, and the clever method by which it can attach an additional seat or riding board to the rear is praised by many. Parents also loved that it accommodates infant carriers and car seat from multiple brands. This includes those that aren't normally compatible with other double buggies.