9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Double Pushchair
Which Lightweight Double Pushchair Should You Buy?
A light double pushchair makes it simple to get around, particularly if you have children of various age groups. They are easy 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+ canopies and peekaboo windows. It also has a frame that expands in the width to accommodate a second car seat or an additional passenger.
Side-by-Side
The majority of light double pushchairs that we test are side-byside models and they're generally best for kids who can stand up without assistance because they tend to be lacking car seat integration. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and the Baby Trend Sit 'N Stand Double, are both excellent options. They offer recline adjustments for both seats, a big canopy, and padded 5-point safety harnesses. They are also easy to move around, despite their larger footprint. They are great for parents who are worried about fitting through doors.
The Cybex Duet pushchair is unique because it has a clever frame that expands to allow for a second child seat. This makes it slimmer than other side-byside pushchairs. This means it fits through standard doorways and is easy to move around on public transport. It can also be used as a jogger, which is a great feature for those who want to use it in conjunction with an infant carrier or car seat, and comes in a variety of exciting colors.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double is another great side-by-side, lightweight double. It provides an even greater degree of customization due to the modular frame. The clever design allows you to transform it into an individual or double buggy by adding two carrycots or child car seats. It can even accommodate twins. It's an outstandingly practical choice for families that are growing and the UPPAbaby is among the tiniest and most fashionable umbrella strollers around.
Try the egg2 that folds down to the size and weight of a tiny suitcase. It can be used either as a double or a single by adding two carrycots or baby car seats. Our test subjects were awed by how easy it was to move even with a full load of kids.
Double pushchairs with side-by-side seating aren't foolproof however -- if your children are of the same age or stage, they might be fighting over who gets to ride in which seat. If they're different heights, a tandem style might be better for them, as it lets them confront each other.
Tandem
While side-by-side models may be more appropriate for siblings with similar ages tandem pushchairs that are lightweight are a different kind of pushchair with their own appeal. Some can fit a larger car seat and others come with reversible seats. Others have an extra carrycot or a reclined seat that can be flipped in the middle. They are generally more spacious and easier to access and exit from however their baskets are typically smaller than the ones on single buggies. Many have larger canopies, peekaboo windows and even padded leg cushions.
The iCandy Peach is another example of a great value lightweight tandem. The fabric is a little less luxurious than our other top-rated doubles however, it still looks and feels great and is very easy to use. One of the most impressive things about it is its single-handed fold. While it will require some practice, Kirstie in our Lab said it's "genius". The carrycot can't be folded while it's attached. However, the mechanism to attach and remove the carrycot is simple and quick.
Tandem double pushchairs are light and lightweight. They generally have tighter turns than side-by-side models but they can be more difficult to drive on bumps and uneven surfaces. They may also be slow to accelerate and can be heavier to move, which can result in stress on your back.
A convertible double buggy is a different option. It starts out as an individual however, you can add adapters to make it double. These can include a second seat or carrycot on the front or children can be seated side-byside. Some of them also have the option of incorporating buggy boards, which can help older children keep up with younger siblings.
The Uppababy Vista V2 is a good example of a convertible as it can also convert into a twin pram by the purchase of additional cocoons (PS59 each) that provide a flat space for infants. They can be placed in a row or joined 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 an appropriate one). Since they are made of high-quality materials, these types of dual-use buggies can often be used for many years without displaying much wear, indicating they have the highest resale value.
Single-to-double running buggy
Ideal for families who love to be outdoors and are looking to upgrade from a single stroller, this lightweight double buggy transforms 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 option for twins or children from different ages and as a triple tandem, it is able to be able to handle the rough terrain. It's a great choice for parents who want a chic design that is as elegant as a single. It comes in various colors of fabric.
We loved the way that this iCandy model folds down with just one hand, making it extremely simple to master. It's heavier than other single-to-stokke double stroller pushchairs, but home tester Karolina says it's still very maneuverable even with two toddlers inside and the carrycot.
The seat can be used parent-facing and you can purchase additional accessories for this stroller such as the Roma Gemini carrycots (PS100 each) which are great for babies. Our test panel found the seats to be comfortable for toddlers, with excellent lumbar support and headrests. There are a variety of options for recline in the front, with the seat being able to be adjusted to different positions, and the rear seat having the option to recline.
The main drawback to this kind of buggy is that it is generally larger overall than doubles that are side-by-side which makes it more difficult to get through doorways and can be tricky to maneuver around kerbs. The suspension and wheels of these models tend to be able to deal with paved surfaces. They're also lighter than many side-bysides and, therefore, you can have plenty of storage. These strollers aren't easy to maneuver through supermarkets with narrow aisles and they might struggle to carry loads. Although it's much easier to turn the stroller around on a small curved path, it can be a challenge. Some are also more easy to turn than others, such as the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and Baby Trend sit and stand double stroller N' Stand Double, for instance.
Convertible
Convertible double pushchairs are fantastic because they are able to be adapted to the changing requirements of a family. They are typically single buggies and have adapters that allow you to add a second child's seat or carrycot, or (in certain instances) the car seat to the frame. Some can be converted to a single buggie when your child's older age begins to walk or wants to ride a buggyboard.
One of the most lightweight double strollers on our list, this fashionable tri-fold model can carry children as heavy as 40 pounds each. It also has a handy basket in between the seats to store things. Home users loved its large canopy with windows that peek out multi-position reclining seats, as well as front and rear suspension for smoother rides on rough terrain. It also comes with an easy-to-use cup holder for parents, and an ample, easily accessible basket. However, they noticed that the seats' backs have small pockets that aren't large enough to accommodate anything more than a phone and keys.
This high-end, lightweight side-by-side is available in more than 20 configurations. It also includes a second chair and carrycot. Its impressive features include an ergonomic handlebar with a high profile for better steering as well as rear and front suspensions to smooth rough terrain; a self-standing compact fold with handy straps for easy schlepping; and seven-inch swing lock front wheels and 10-inch back wheels with suspension to provide a more comfortable ride. The only downside is that you'll need purchase a separate baby carrier or car seat.
This multi-functional tandem is a top pick by our home testers due to its easy-to-maneuver size and impressively large shopping basket that can be accessed with both seats in the parent-facing position. Its light weight (about the same as some single pushchairs) makes it a breeze to move. Many users praise the clever way it connects the second seat or riding board at the back. Parents also liked the fact that it can accommodate infant carriers and car seats from a variety of brands, including some that don't normally fit into other double buggies.