Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
A compact double pushchair makes it simple to move around, especially when you have children of different age groups. They are easy to fold, steer and transport up and over stairs.
pushchair twin offers side-by-side seats with plenty of legroom, adjustable reclining and massive UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows. It also has a frame that expands in size to accommodate an additional car seat or another passenger.
Side-by-Side
The majority of lightweight double pushchairs we've tested are side-by-side models and are generally recommended for children that can sit up on their own, as these models aren't equipped with car seat integration. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, and Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double, are both excellent options. They have adjustable recline for both seats, a large canopy, and padded five-point safety harnesses. These are also easy to maneuver, despite their larger footprint. They are perfect for parents who fret about fitting through doors.
The Cybex Duet pushchair is unique because it features a unique frame that expands in width to accommodate another child seat. This makes it lighter than other side-byside pushchairs. It can fit through doors of standard size and is easy to maneuver on public transport. It also doubles as an jogger which is perfect if you plan to use it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carrier.
Another great side-by-side, lightweight double is the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, which offers even more customization with a modular frame. It features a clever design that lets you convert it into a single buggy or a double with the addition of 2 carrycots or car seats (it can even accommodate twins). It's an outstandingly practical choice for families that are growing, and the UPPAbaby also makes one of the lightest and stylish umbrella strollers available.
Try the egg2 that folds down to the size and weight of a compact suitcase. It can be used either as a single or double by adding two baby car seats or carrycots. Our home testers were impressed with how easy it was to maneuver even with a load of children.
Side-by-side lightweight double pushchairs aren't foolproof however -when your children are of the same age or stage they might be fighting over who is allowed to ride in which seat. If they're at different heights then a tandem style may be best for them, as it lets them face each other.
Tandem
While side-by-side models are best for children with similar age, tandem lightweight double strollers have their own appeal. Some can accommodate a larger car seat and others have seats that can be reversible. Some even come with an additional carrycot or convertible seat in the middle. They are larger and easy to get in and out of. However their baskets tend to be smaller than the ones found on buggies that are single. Many feature larger canopies as well as peekaboo windows, and even cushioned leg cushions.
The iCandy Peach is another example of a lightweight and affordable tandem. The fabrics are a little less luxurious than those of some of our top-rated doubles. However, it looks great and is easy to use. One of the most impressive aspects about it is its single-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 taking it off it is simple and fast.
Tandem pushchairs that are lightweight generally have tighter turns than side-by-side models, but they can be more difficult to drive over bumps and uneven surfaces. They can also be a little slower to speed up and are heavier to move, which can cause strain on your back.
A convertible double buggy is a different option. It's initially one but you can also add adapters to convert it into double. These can include an additional seat or carrycot on the front or the kids can sit side-by-side. Some can also consider adding a buggyboard, which assists an older child to keep pace with siblings who are younger.
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 positioned side by side or attached to each other's faces and you can also use them with the baby car seat that comes with the pushchair (as as long as you choose a compatible one). Because they're made from high-quality materials, these kinds of dual-use buggies can often be used for years without showing any wear, which means they have a high resale value.
Single-to-Double
This compact double buggy is designed for outdoor-loving family who would like to upgrade from a single-stroller. It can be converted into a jogger using kits that include air-filled tires and all-wheel-suspension. It is also a good choice for twins, or children from different ages and, as triple tandem, it's able to take on rough terrain. It's a great choice for parents who want a chic style that's as sleek as a single and comes in different fabric colours.
We were impressed by the way this iCandy model folds up with a one-handed mechanism that's very easy to master. It's heavier than other single-to-double pushchairs, however our home tester Karolina says it's very mobile even with two toddlers inside and carrying a carrycot.
The seat can be used with the parent facing, and you can also purchase additional accessories for this stroller like the Roma Gemini carrycots (PS100 each) which are great for babies. Our panel of testers found that the seats to be comfortable for toddlers, with good headrests and lumbar support. There are numerous options for reclined seats with the front seat adjustable in different positions and the back seat having the option of recline.
The biggest drawback of this kind of buggy is that it tends to be wider overall than side-by-side doubles which makes it more difficult to navigate through doorways and can be tricky to manoeuvre up and down kerbs. However, the wheels and suspension on these models generally perform well in handling paved surfaces, and the fact that they're generally significantly lighter than the side-by-sides, means you still have a decent amount of storage space. These strollers aren't easy to maneuver through supermarkets with narrow aisles and they might struggle to carry a lot. It's easier to turn them around on the smallest curves of paths, but even this can be a challenge. Some are more easy to turn than other models, like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double or the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double.
Convertible
The benefit of convertible double pushchairs is the ability to adapt to the changing family requirements. They typically start as single buggies, but come with adapters to add an additional seat, a carrycot or (in some instances) the car seat to the frame. Some are able to be converted to a single buggie when your child's older age begins to walk or chooses to ride a buggyboard.
One of the lightest double strollers we have on our list, this fashionable tri-fold model is able to hold children as heavy as 40 pounds each. It comes with a handy basket in between the seats for storage. Home testers appreciated its spacious canopy with peekaboo windows multi-position reclining seats, as well as front and rear suspensions to ensure smoother rides on rough terrain. It also has a handy cup holder for the parent and a large, easy-to access basket. The backs of the bags have small pockets which are only large enough to hold phones and a set of keys.
This high-end, lightweight side-by-side is available in more than 20 models. It also comes with a second chair and carrycot. Its impressive set of features includes an ergonomic handlebar with a high profile for better 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 back wheels that measure 10 inches with suspension to provide a more comfortable ride. The only drawback is that you'll need buy a separate baby carrier or car seat.
This multi-functional tandem is a top choice from our home testers due to its easy-to-maneuver size and impressively large shopping basket that can be accessed with both seats facing towards the parent. It is simple to maneuver thanks to its surprisingly low weight (about the weight of a few single pushchairs). Many have praised the clever way it connects the second seat or riding board at the back. Parents also appreciated the fact that it can accommodate infant car seats and carriers from a variety of brands, including those which aren't usually fit into other double buggies.