A Sage Piece Of Advice On Double Pushchair From The Age Of Five
Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
It's easy to move around with a lightweight double pushchair, especially if you have children of different age groups. They are easy to fold, steer and carry up and over steps.
This City Mini GT2 features side-by-side seating with plenty of legroom. It also has adjustable reclining, large UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows. It also comes with an expanding frame the width to accommodate the second car seat or an additional passenger.
Side-by-Side
The majority of light double pushchairs we tested are side-by-side designs and they're generally best compact double stroller for children that can stand up without assistance because they aren't equipped with car seat integration. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double, are both excellent choices. They come with an recline adjustments for both seats, a large canopy, and padded 5-point safety harnesses. They're also easy to maneuver despite their larger 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 in width to accommodate another seat, making it slimmer than most other side-by-side pushchairs available. It is able to fit through doors that are standard and is easy to maneuver in public transport. It's also a jogger, which is a great feature when you're planning to use it in conjunction with baby carriers or a car seat. It's also available in a variety of fun colors.
Another great side-by-side, lightweight double pram buggy is the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, which allows for even more flexibility and customization thanks to its modular frame. It features a clever design that allows you to convert it into a single stroller or a double with the addition of 2 carrycots or car seats (it can even accommodate twins). It's a great option for growing families, and the UPPAbaby also is among the lightest and stylish umbrella strollers around.
Try the egg2 which folds down to the size and weight of a compact suitcase. It can be used as a single or double with the addition of two carrycots or infant car seats, and our home testers loved the sleek and easy it was to use even when loaded with kids.
Side-by-side lightweight double pushchairs aren't foolproof however -- if your children are at 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 better for them, as it will allow them to confront each other.
Tandem
While side-by-side models are better suited for siblings of the same age, tandem lightweight double pushchairs are a different kind of pushchair with their own appeal. Some can accommodate a larger car seat and some have seats that can be reversible. Some even come with an extra carrycot or a reversible seat in the middle. They tend to be more spacious and simple to access and exit from however their baskets tend to be smaller than the ones on single buggies. They often have larger canopy with windows that peek out and padding for the leg cushions.
The iCandy Peach is another example of a good-value lightweight tandem. The fabrics are less luxurious than those of some of our top-rated doubles. However, it looks stunning and is easy to use. Its one-handed folding is impressive. Even though it requires some time to master, Kirstie from our Lab called it "genius". The carrycot is not foldable while it is attached. However, the mechanism to attach and remove the carrycot is easy and quick.
Tandem lightweight double pushchairs will generally have tighter turns than side-byside models, however, they can be more challenging to drive over uneven surfaces and curbs. They are also slower to accelerate and heavier to move. This can put strain on your back.
Another alternative is a convertible double buggy, which is initially a single and then you add adapters to turn it into a double. These can include a second seat or carrycot in front, or the children can sit side-by-side. Some also have the option of adding a buggy board, which could help older children keep up with a younger sibling.
The Uppababy Vista V2 is a good example of a convertible because it can also be converted into a twin pushchair pram through the purchase of additional cocoons (PS59 each) that create a lie-flat space for infants. These can be placed side by side or attached to face each other and you can use them with the baby car seat that is included with the pushchair (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 a long time without showing any wear, meaning they have an excellent resale value.
single to double pushchair-to-double pushchair from birth
For families who love the outdoors and want to upgrade their single stroller, this lightweight double buggy turns into a jogger with the help of an innovative kit that includes air-filled tyres as well as all-wheel suspension. It also handles rough terrain well and, as a tandem triple is ideal for twins or children of various age groups. It's a great option for parents who want a chic design as simple as a single. It is available in a variety of colors.
This iCandy model is easy to fold using a single-handed system. It's heavier than other single-to double pushchairs, but home tester Karolina says it's very maneuverable even with two toddlers and carrying a carrycot.
The seat can be used as a parent-facing and you can purchase accessories for this stroller such as the Roma Gemini carrycots (PS100 each), which are ideal for newborns. The seats are comfortable for toddlers and come with good headrests and lumbar support. And there are a variety of options for reclining, with the front seat adjusting to various positions and the rear seat offering the option to recline.
This kind of buggy has the main disadvantage of being a bit wider than the side-by-side doubles. This makes it difficult to navigate through doorways and it can be difficult to move between kerbs. However, the wheels and suspension are generally able to do a good job of coping with paved surfaces and the fact that they're usually lighter than the side-bysides means that you still find plenty of storage space. These strollers aren't easy to maneuver around supermarkets with narrow aisles and they might struggle to carry loads. Even though it's easier to turn the stroller around on a small curved path, this can be a hassle. Some are more easy to turn than others, such as the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double or Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double.
Convertible
The benefit of convertible double pushchairs is that they can adapt to the changing family requirements. They are typically single buggies. They have adapters that allow you to include a second child's seat or carrycot, or (in some cases) an automobile seat to the frame. Some can be converted to a single buggie when your older child starts to walk or chooses to ride a buggyboard.
One of the lightest double strollers we have on our list, this fashionable tri-fold model can hold children up to 40 lbs each. It also has a convenient basket that can be placed between the seats for storage. The home testers loved the spacious canopy with peekaboo windows, multi-position reclining seats and front and rear suspensions for smoother rides on rough terrain. It also comes with a handy cup holder for parents and a large, easy-to access basket. However, they pointed out that the backs of the seats have pockets that aren't big enough to hold much more than a phone and keys.
This high-end, 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 a compact fold that can stand on its own with straps for easy transportation, and seven-inch front wheel with swivel locks as well as 10 inches back wheels with suspensions to ensure a smoother ride. The only drawback is that you'll need to purchase a separate car seat or baby carrier.
This versatile tandem is a top choice by our home testers due to its maneuverability and large shopping basket that can be accessed with both seats facing the parent. It is simple to maneuver due to its surprisingly low weight (about the equivalent of some single pushchairs). Many people praise the clever way it connects the second seat or riding board at the back. Parents also appreciated the fact that it can accommodate car seats and infant carriers from various brands. This includes those that aren't normally compatible with other double buggies.