Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can make life easier for families, especially in busy stores or on busy streets. Choose a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some parents who are first-time parents choose an infant pushchair that can be used as a single pram once bub is born and then transformed into a twin-mode after the baby has arrived. Joolz has a variety of options.
Tandem
The news that you're expecting to have a baby is among the most exciting events in your life. However, once double pram pushchair wears off and reality begins to sink into your life, you'll be faced with a variety of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a classic design with two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Certain models feature reversible seating so you can choose whether your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems can be converted into a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.
In terms of cost, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair and is a great option for parents looking to save money but not compromising on safety or convenience. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it may be heavy and long to steer, particularly when moving up and down kerbs. Additionally, it is generally less stable than a twin pushchair, particularly if the older child is seated at the front. A tandem can also be tricky to transport on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is a great choice for parents with one child who want a sleeker design. However the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long to push. It features a clever frame that expands in width to allow for the addition of the second seat, and is compatible with many combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting a double pram or pushchair. There are many configuration options available, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are popular choices as they can be configured to accommodate infants with a bassinet at the top, while the older toddler or infant is in the lower seat below.
Certain models come with reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family during the infant and toddler years. This allows you to see your children at all times and allows them to be a part of the journey when they walk.
Tandem prams are usually all-terrain buggies or jogging ones that is why they're great for outdoor adventures and in the park. They are also great for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops because they are less bulky.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be used in tandem mode from birth, with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) It is then possible to switch to the single pram mode once your baby is old enough to leave the rumble seat or choose the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for infant to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-by-side pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a modern style. It is designed to be used from the moment of birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double side-byside. It is available in a variety of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different age groups. It's also easy to collapse. It's also fairly light and therefore an ideal option for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams or pushchairs are set up to meet your needs as they change. It is possible to fit two toddlers in a seat or a third child on the seat board, and still have enough space for a shopping basket and the capability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is a advantage. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs, as they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our reviewers thought it was quite heavy for the money.
Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for babies. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not in use and makes it more compact. The City Select's clever, one-handed folding impressed our test participants but it does require some practice. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.
Another option that is affordable is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. double pram and pushchair can be converted from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great choice for infants.
To be more flexible, opt for a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can hold 2 children side by side, but it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's nimble and responsive and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs on our list, but it offers a large shopping basket which is handy for parents carrying bags of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have a child and expect another. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair by the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our test subjects were impressed by how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that they both recline to different positions, come with built-in foot and leg supports and have UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.
The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher found that this was overcome by how easy it is to move around and how big the storage is, with two hanging parent and child cup holders, seat-back pockets and an enormous underseat basket. Cher also liked that seats can be flipped so that they be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who want to interact and talk when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option, but still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact and features an auto-standing fold, making it easy to transport or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the low price. The only negatives are that the seats do not recline as much as other models we have tested and the rear seat is not as visible because of its position as it is higher than the first seat.
Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their slimmer design side by side prams remain more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles. They may be difficult to navigate through busy streets or in shops. They are also shorter and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.