24 Hours To Improve Double Pushchair
Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
It's easy to move around with a light double infant stroller pushchair, especially if you have children of different ages. They are generally easy to steer, fold and carry up and down stairs.
This City Mini GT2 features side-by-side seating with plenty of legroom. It also features adjustable reclining, UPF 50+ canopies and peekaboo windows. It also comes with a smart frame that can expand in width to take a second seat and a compatible car seat(s).
Side-by-Side
The majority of light double pushchairs we test are side-byside models and are best twin stroller suited for children that can sit up unassisted because they tend to lack car seat integration. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, and Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double, are both excellent choices. They offer adjustable recline for both seats, a large canopy, and padded five-point safety harnesses. They're also easy to maneuver despite their bigger footprint, and are ideal for parents worried about fitting through doors.
The Cybex Duet is a little different because its clever frame expands widthways to add another seat, which makes it lighter than most other side-by-side pushchairs available. It can be pushed through standard doorways and is easy to maneuver on public transport. It can also be used as a jogger which is great when you are planning to use it in conjunction with an infant car seat or baby carrier.
Another great side-by-side, lightweight double is the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, that offers more customization with a modular frame. It's a clever design that allows you to convert it into a single stroller or a double with the addition of two car seats or carrycots (it can even accommodate twins). It's an outstandingly practical choice for families that are growing and the UPPAbaby is one of the tiniest and most fashionable umbrella strollers available.
If you're looking for a compact lightweight double, try the egg2 which folds down to the size of a small suitcase. It can be used as a single or double by adding 2 carrycots or baby car seats. Our test subjects were awed by the ease of move around even with a load of children.
Side-by-side lightweight double pushchairs aren't foolproof however -If your children are at the same age or at the same stage, they may still fight over who gets to ride in which seat. If they're at different heights then the tandem model could be the best option for them, since it lets them face each other.
Tandem
While side-byside models might be more suitable for siblings with similar ages, tandem lightweight double pushchairs have their own charms. Some can fit a larger car seat and others have reversible seats. Others have an extra carrycot or a reversible seat in the middle. They are generally more spacious and easier to move into and out of, although their baskets are typically smaller than the ones on single buggies. Many feature larger canopies as well as peekaboo windows, and even cushioned leg cushions.
The iCandy Peach tandem is another good example of a lightweight tandem that provides an excellent value. Its fabrics feel a little less expensive than our other top-rated tandems, however, it still looks and feels great and is user-friendly. Its one-handed folding is awe-inspiring. Even though it requires some time to master, Kirstie from our Lab called it "genius". The carrycot can't be folded when it is attached. However, the process to attach and remove the carrycot is simple and quick.
Tandem lightweight double pushchairs will generally have tighter turns than side-by-side models, but they can be more difficult to drive on bumps and uneven surfaces. They can also be slower to accelerate and more heavy to move. This puts strain on your back.
A convertible double buggy is a different option. It starts out as an individual, but you can add adapters to make it double. These can include an additional seat or carrycot in front or children can sit side-by-side. Some have the option of including a buggyboard, which can help an older child keep up with younger siblings or brothers.
The Uppababy Vista V2 is a excellent example of a convertible as it can also convert into a twin pram with the purchase of additional cocoons (PS59 each) which create a lay-flat space for infants. They can be attached together or placed side-by-side. You can also use the car seat that was included with the pushchair, when it's compatible. As they're made with quality materials, these kinds of 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
Ideal for families who love to be outdoors and want to upgrade from a single stroller, this lightweight double buggy transforms into a jogger thanks a nifty kit that includes air-filled tyres and all-wheel suspension. It's also a great option for twins, or children from different age groups and as triple tandem, it is able to handle rough terrain. It's also a good option for parents who want a stylish design that's as sleek as a single and comes in a variety of colors for the fabric.
We loved the way that this iCandy model folds down with just one hand, making it really easy to master. It's also heavier than some of the other single-to-double pushchairs in this review, our home tester Karolina claimed that it feels extremely maneuverable, even when she had two toddlers and a carrycot inside.
You can purchase additional items like the Roma Gemini Carrycots (PS100) that are ideal for infants. The seats are comfortable for toddlers and come with high-quality headrests and lumbar supports. There are many options for reclining the seats, with the front seat adjustable in different positions and the back seat having the option of recline.
This type of buggy comes with the biggest disadvantage of being larger than side-byside doubles. This makes it difficult to navigate through doorways and it can be difficult to get between kerbs. The suspension and wheels of these models are generally able to cope with surfaces that are paved. They're also lighter than many side-bysides which means you can have plenty of storage space. It's important to keep in mind that these strollers aren't as adept at navigating narrow aisles in supermarkets, and may struggle to handle a large amount of shopping. Although it's much easier to turn the stroller around on a narrow, curving path, this can be a hassle. Some are also easier to turn than others, with the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and the Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double, for example.
Convertible
The best thing about convertible double pushchairs is the ability to adapt to changing family requirements. Most of the time, they begin as single buggies. They have adapters that allow you to add a second child's seat, a carrycot, or (in some cases) the car seat to the frame. Some can be converted back to a single buggie when your child's older age begins to walk or wants to ride a buggyboard.
This stylish tri-fold double stroller can be described as one of the lightest strollers on our list. It can carry up to 40 pounds per child, and includes an extra storage basket in between the seats. The home testers loved the large canopy with windows that peek out with multi-position reclining seats as well as front and rear suspension for smoother rides on rough terrain. It also has a handy cup holder for parents and a large, easy-to access basket. However, they noticed that the backs of the seats have pockets that aren't big enough to hold more than a smartphone and keys.
This lightweight, high-end side-by-side is available in more than 20 different configurations. It also comes with a second chair and carrycot. It features a high-profile steering handlebar, front and rear suspensions to smooth out rough terrain and it folds compactly and can be folded up with straps to make it easy to transport, and seven-inch front wheels with swivel locks, and ten-inch back wheels with suspensions for a smoother ride. The only downside is that you'll have to purchase a separate car seat or baby carrier.
This multi-functional tandem is a top choice from our home testers due to its maneuverability and large shopping basket, which is accessible from both seats in the parent-facing position. Its extremely lightweight weight (about the same as single to double pushchair pushchairs) makes it easy to move. Many have praised the clever way it attaches the second seat or riding board at the back. Parents also appreciated the fact that it could accommodate infant carriers and car seats from multiple brands, including some that don't normally fit into other double buggies.