5 Laws That ll Help The Double Pushchair Industry
Which lightweight double stroller Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
A compact double pushchair makes it easy to get around, particularly when you have children of different ages. They're typically simple to fold, steer and transport up and down the stairs.
This City Mini GT2 features side-by-side seating with plenty of legroom. It also features adjustable reclining, large UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows. It also comes with an expanding frame size to accommodate an additional car seat or another passenger.
Side-by-Side
The majority of the lightweight double pushchairs that we tested are side-by-side models and they're generally best for children that can stand up without assistance because they aren't equipped with car seat integration. That said there are some exceptions. Thule Urban Glide 2 double running buggy and Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double are both great options that provide adjustable recline in both seats, a huge canopy, and padded five-point harnesses. They're also easy to move despite their bigger footprint and are perfect for parents worried about fitting into doorways.
The Cybex Duet pushchair is unique because it features a unique frame that can be expanded to add another child seat. This makes it smaller than other pushchairs that are side-by-side. It can be pushed through doors that are standard and is easy to move around on public transport. It can also be used as an jogger which is perfect if you plan to use it in conjunction with an infant car seat or a baby carrier.
Another excellent side-by-side lightweight double is the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, that offers more customization through a modular frame. It's a clever design that allows you to turn it into a single buggy or a double by incorporating two car seats or carrycots (it can even take twins). It's a fantastic and practical choice for families with growing children, and the UPPAbaby also is one of the tiniest and most fashionable umbrella strollers on the market.
If you're looking for a compact, lightweight double, consider the egg2 which folds to the size of a small suitcase. It can be used as a double or single by adding 2 carrycots or baby car seats. Our test subjects were awed by the ease of move even with a full load of children.
Double pushchairs with side-by-side seating aren't foolproof, though -- if your children are the same age or stage they might be fighting over who rides in which seat. If they're at different heights, then it is possible that a tandem design is the best option for them, since it allows them to face each other.
Tandem
While side-byside models are better suitable for siblings of similar ages, tandem lightweight twin stroller double strollers have their own appeal. Some can fit an extra car seat, while others come with reversible seats. Others even have an additional carrycot or reversible seat in the middle. They are more spacious, and easier to get into and out of. However, their baskets tend to be smaller than those found on single buggies. Many feature larger canopies, peekaboo windows and even cushioned leg cushions.
The iCandy Peach tandem is another great example of a lightweight tandem that is a an excellent value. The fabrics are less luxurious than those of some of our top-rated doubles. However, it still looks fantastic and is simple to use. One of the most impressive things about it is its one-handed fold - although it requires practice, Kirstie in our Lab declared it to be "genius". It's not possible to fold it with the carrycot attached however the mechanism for attaching and removing it is easy and quick.
Tandem double pushchairs are light and lightweight. They typically make tighter turns than side-byside models, but they can be more difficult to drive on bumps and uneven surfaces. They can also be slow to speed up and can be heavier to move, which could result in stress on your back.
Another option is a convertible double buggy, which starts off as one-person, but you can add adapters to make it into a double. They can include an additional seat, a carrycot or both in the front. Children can be seated together. Some of them also offer the option of incorporating buggy boards that could help an older child keep up with a younger sibling.
The Uppababy Vista V2 is a excellent example of a convertible, as it can also convert into a twin stroller side by side pram through the purchase of additional cocoons (PS59 each) that create a lie-flat space for newborns. They can be positioned on top of each other or positioned to one another and you can also use them in conjunction with the infant car seat that comes with the pushchair (as long as you choose a compatible one). Since they are made of high-quality materials, these buggies that are dual-use can be used for many years without showing much wear, meaning they have high potential for resale.
Single-to-Double
This lightweight double buggy is designed for families who love the outdoors and would like to upgrade from a single-stroller. It can be transformed into a jogger by acquiring kits that include air-filled tires and all-wheel suspension. It is also a good choice for twins, or children of different age groups and as a triple tandem, it's able to be able to handle the rough terrain. It's also a good choice for parents who want an elegant design that's as sleek as a single, and is available in a range of fabric colours.
We loved the way this iCandy model folds into itself with a one-handed mechanism that's very simple to master. It's heavier than other single-to-double pushchairs, but our home test Karolina says it's very mobile even with two toddlers inside and a carrycot.
You can purchase additional items like the Roma Gemini Carrycots (PS100) that are ideal for infants. The seats are comfortable for toddlers with good headrests and lumbar support. There are a variety of options for reclined seats with the front seat adjustable in various positions and the back seat having an option to recline.
This type of buggy comes with the biggest disadvantage of being wider than doubles that are side-by-side. This makes it difficult to maneuver through doorways, and it isn't easy to maneuver up and down kerbs. The suspension and wheels of these types of strollers are generally good at coping with surfaces that are paved. They're also lighter than most side-by-sides which means you can have plenty of storage. It's important to keep in mind that these strollers aren't as good at navigating narrow aisles in supermarkets, and may struggle to handle a lot of shopping. It's a little easier to turn them around even on the smallest of curving paths however, it can be difficult to turn them around on a straight path. Some are also easier to turn than others, such as the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double, for example.
Convertible
Convertible double pushchairs are fantastic because they are able to be adapted to the changing requirements of a family. They often start out as single buggies and include adapters to add an additional seat, a carrycot or (in some cases) a car seat to the frame. Some even convert to a single buggie when your child gets older and starts to walk more or wants to ride on a buggy board.
One of the Lightest double Stroller double strollers on our list, this sleek tri-fold model is able to hold children as heavy as 40 pounds each. It comes with a handy basket in between the seats to store things. The large canopy with a peekaboo window, multi-position reclining seats and a front and back suspensions for smoother and more comfortable riding on rough terrain were praised by home testers. It also has a convenient cup holder for parents and a large, easy-to access basket. They did note that the backs of the bags have small pockets which are just sufficient to hold phones and a set of keys.
This premium, lightweight side-by-side can be used in more than 20 different configurations and comes with a second seat and carrycot. It features a high-profile steering handlebar, front and rear suspensions that smooth rough terrain and an ultra-compact fold that stands up on its own with straps for easy transportation, and seven-inch front wheel with swivel locks and ten-inch back wheels with suspensions for more comfortable riding. The only drawback is that you'll have to purchase a separate car seat or baby carrier.
This multi-functional tandem is the top choice of our home testers because it is simple to maneuver and features a large basket for shopping that can be accessed from both seats when they are in the parent-facing position. Its light weight (about the same as a few single pushchairs) makes it a breeze to move around. Its reversible seats mean that they can be switched to face either direction, and the clever way that it can attach an additional seat or riding board to the rear is appreciated by many. Parents also loved that it accommodates infant carriers and car seats from multiple brands. This includes some that are not normally compatible with other double buggies.