Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?

A lightweight double pushchair makes it simple to move around, especially for families with children of various ages. They are generally easy to fold, steer and carry up and down stairs.

This City Mini GT2 offers side-by-side seats with plenty of legroom and reclining that can be adjusted. It also has huge UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. 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 double we test are side-byside models and they're generally best for children who can stand up without assistance, as these models tend to be lacking car seat integration. However, the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double are both excellent options that offer recline that can be adjusted in both seats, a wide canopy and padded 5-point harnesses. They are also easy to maneuver despite their larger footprint. They are great for parents who fret about getting through doors.

The Cybex Duet is a little different due to its clever frame that expands in width to accommodate a second seat, making it smaller than the majority of other pushchairs that are side-by-side available. It can fit through doors that are standard and is easy to maneuver on public transport. It can also be used as a jogger, which is a great feature if you want to use it in conjunction with an infant carrier or car seat, and comes in a range of fun colors.

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 transform it into a single buggy or a double with the addition of two car seats or carrycots (it can even accommodate twins). It's an outstandingly practical choice for growing families, and the UPPAbaby also makes one of the lightest Double stroller and stylish umbrella strollers around.

Try the egg2, which can be folded down to the size and weight of a compact suitcase. It can be used either as a double or a single by adding 2 baby car seats or carrycots. Our home testers were impressed with how easy it was to move, even with a full load of kids.

Double pushchairs with side-by-side seating aren't 100% foolproof, howeverIf 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 taller than each other, a tandem style might be better for them, as it will allow them to look at each other.

Tandem

While side-byside models are better for children of similar age, tandem lightweight double strollers have their own appeal. They can be fitted with a larger car seat, and some even have seats that can be reversible or a carrycot in the middle. They are generally more spacious and simple to get in and out of however their baskets are typically smaller than those of single buggies. Many also feature more generously large canopies that have peekaboo windows as well as a parent cup holder and cushioned leg cushions for the children.

The iCandy Peach is another example of a great value lightweight tandem. Its fabrics feel a little less luxurious than our other top-rated doubles, but it looks and feels great and is easy to use. One of the most impressive aspects about it is its one-handed fold - although it will require some practice, Kirstie in our Lab said it's "genius". It's not possible to fold it with the carrycot attached but the mechanism for attaching and removing it is simple and fast.

Tandem lightweight double pushchairs will typically make tighter turns than side-by-side models, but they can be more challenging to drive over bumps and uneven surfaces. They are also a little slower to accelerate and may be heavier to move, which can put strain on your back.

Another option is a convertible double buggy, which is initially one-person, but you can add adapters to make it into a double. These can include a second seat or carrycot on the front or children can sit side-by-side. Some also have the option of adding buggy boards, which can help an older child keep up with younger siblings.

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) that create a lie-flat space for infants. They can be swiveled together or placed side-by-side. You can also use the car seat that was included with the pushchair, if it is compatible. Since they are made of high-quality materials, these buggies with dual-use capabilities can be used for many years without displaying much wear, indicating they have an excellent potential for resale.

Single-to-Double

Designed for outdoor-loving families who want to upgrade from a single stroller, this light 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's also a great choice for twins, or children from different age groups, and as a triple tandem, it's able to be able to handle the rough terrain. It's also a good option for parents who are looking for an elegant design that's just as sleek as a single, and comes in a variety of fabrics.

We loved the way this iCandy model folds into itself using a single-hand mechanism that's very easy to master. It's heavier than other single-to-double pushchairs, but our home test Karolina says it's capable of maneuvering even with two toddlers and a carrycot.

The seat can be used as a parent-facing and you can buy add-ons 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 many options for reclining, with the front seat adjusting to various positions and the rear seat having the option of recline.

The main drawback to this kind of buggy is that it is generally wider overall than side-by-side doubles, which makes it harder to maneuver through doorways, and can be tricky to maneuver up and down kerbs. The wheels and suspension of these types of strollers are generally good at coping with surfaces that are paved. They're also lighter than many side-bysides and, therefore, you can have plenty of storage space. It's worth bearing in mind that these strollers aren't as adept at navigating narrow aisles in supermarkets and aren't able to handle a large amount of shopping. It's a little easier to turn them around on the smallest of curved paths however, even this can be a challenge. Some are also easier to turn than others, such as the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and Baby Trend Sit N' Stand Double, for example.

Convertible

The benefit of convertible double pushchairs is that they are able to adapt to the changing family needs. Most of the time, they begin as single buggies, and come with adapters that allow you to include a second child's seat or a carrycot (in some cases) a car-seat to the frame. Some can even convert back to a single as your older child begins to walk or prefers to ride on a buggy board.

One of the lightest double strollers on our list, this sleek tri-fold model is able to hold children as heavy as 40 pounds each and features an easy-to-use basket between the seats to store things. The spacious canopy with a peekaboo window, multi-position reclining chairs and front and back suspensions for smoother rides on rough terrain were well-loved by home testers. It also comes with a handy cup holder for parents and an ample, easy-to-access basket. However, they noted that the backs of the seats have small pockets that aren't large enough to hold much more than a cell phone and keys.

This top-of-the-line, lightweight side-byside can be used in more than 20 configurations and includes two seats and a carrycot. It has a high-profile steering handlebar, front and rear suspensions that smooth rough terrain, it folds compactly and can be folded up with straps for easy transport, and seven-inch front wheels with swivel locks, and ten-inch back wheels with suspensions to ensure more comfortable riding. The only downside is that you'll need purchase a separate baby carriage or car seat.

This versatile tandem is the most popular 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. It is a breeze to move around due to its surprisingly low weight (about the equivalent of some single pushchairs). Many have praised the clever way it attaches the second seat or riding board to the back. Parents also loved that it accommodates car seats and infant carriers from various brands. This includes some that are not typically compatible with other double buggies.