Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A good double pram or pushchair can simplify the lives of families, especially when walking on busy roads or in stores and shops. Pick a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other necessities.
Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair which can be used as a single stroller once baby is born, and transformed into a twin-mode after the baby arrives. Joolz has a variety of choices.
Tandem
The news that you're expecting the birth of a child is one of the most exciting events in life. However, after the excitement of the beginning fades and the reality sets in, you may be faced with a variety of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or ones. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the best pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Certain models let you choose whether your children look at each other or face each other. Many tandems have the option of being converted into a single pushchair when you decide your oldest child no longer needs the second seat.
A tandem is more affordable than twin prams and is an ideal choice for parents who want to save money, but without compromising safety or functionality. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when bumping over the kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is in the front. double pram and pushchair can also be tricky to fit onto public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a singleton parent who wants something streamlined however the tandem mode can make it feel quite long and heavy when pushing. It comes with frames that can be expanded in size to accommodate a second seat. It can be used with a range of combinations of buggy seats, car seats, and carrycots (two at one time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes to selecting a double pushchair or pram, there's a lot to consider. Whether you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age there are a variety of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams are popular options because they can be set up so that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet in the middle while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.
Some models have reversible seats that let you customize the seating arrangement for your family members throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to keep your children always in your sight and also gives them the an opportunity to interact with one another as they walk.
Tandem prams are usually jogging or all-terrain buggies, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also a great option if you need to brave narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts as they tend to be more compact than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example, can be used in tandem mode right from birth, but with the addition of the Rumble seat. (PS249) You can then switch to the single mode once your child gets used to the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a traveler from newborn to toddler.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another alternative. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and features an attractive modern style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be transformed into a double side-by-side. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also quite light and therefore an ideal option for those with small cars or limited storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams or pushchairs can be set up to meet your needs as they change. You can fit two toddlers in the seats or a third rider on the seat board, and still have enough space for a shopping basket, and the capability to add accessories such as rain covers is another advantage. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and larger than single pushchairs because they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very inexpensive convertible that is very easy to use. However, our testers found it to be a bit heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for babies. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not in use, and makes it smaller. The City Select's innovative folding system that is one-handed impressed our test subjects but it does require some time to master. It's also extremely agile and responsive even despite its size.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. It can be converted from a child-facing car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature makes it a great option for infants.
If you're looking to expand your options look into a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can hold two children at the same time. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It's responsive and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as the other models we've reviewed, however it does come with a huge basket that's great for parents who have to carry bags full of toys and other items.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair to a double with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is great for sleeping at night). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can be reclined in multiple positions. They also like the fact that the canopy has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be elevated to provide a an elevated platform for the older child to climb on and off, to allow them to reach items in the shopping basket.
Cher said that the one negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt this was offset by the fact that it is easy to move and offers plenty of storage space with two cup holders for children and parents seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be placed to face each other for siblings who wish to chat and interact together while out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a smaller model and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is small, and has self-standing fold, making it simple to transport or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the price. The only negatives are that the seats do not recline as much as other models we've tested and the rear seat is not as well-lit because of its position as it is higher than the front seat.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that despite their narrower design, side by side prams are still more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles and can be difficult to navigate through crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they're usually shorter, which means they can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.