Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair can simplify the lives of families, especially when walking on busy roads or in shops and stores. Select a model that offers ample storage space for nappies snacks, nappies, and other necessities.
Some first-time parents opt for a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when bub is born and then changed into a twin mode when the baby is old enough. Joolz offers a wide range of options.
Tandem
The news that you're about to have to have a baby is among the most exciting moments in life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will be faced with a variety of choices regarding how you can prepare your family. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a classic style that feature two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for babies. The second seat is upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Some models come with reversible seating so you can choose whether your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems have the option of being converted into a single pushchair when you decide your oldest child does not require the second seat.
A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and is an ideal choice for parents who wish to save money, without compromising safety or functionality. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it may be heavy and long to steer, especially when you're going up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is often less stable than a twin pram especially if the child with the most weight is sitting in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to fit onto public transport and can be difficult to navigate on narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a fantastic option for parents who are single and want an elegant appearance. However the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It has frames that can be expanded in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats or carrycots.
Side by side
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting a double pram or pushchair. There are numerous configuration options available, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice because they can be arranged to fit infants in a bassinet at the top, while the older toddler or infant is in the second seat below.
Some models come with convertible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to your family's requirements throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your children always in your sights and also gives them the an opportunity to interact with one another as they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are great for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also a good option if you need to brave narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets, 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 a Rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can switch to the single pram mode once your child gets used to the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a traveler from infant to toddler.
Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colours and has an attractive modern style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side-by-side. It's available in a range of infant and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of different age groups and is easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight making it an ideal choice for families who have small cars or only a little storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams or pushchairs can be configured into different seats to meet your needs as they change. It is possible to fit two toddlers in a seat or a third rider on the seat board, and still have room for a shopping basket, and the option to add accessories such as rain covers is a plus. Convertible double strollers tend to be larger and heavier than single pushchairs, as they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is user-friendly, however our testers thought it was a little heavy for the money.
Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for newborns. This reduces the size of the double stroller when not in use and makes it smaller. The City Select's clever single-handed folding impressed our test subjects, but it takes some time to master. It is also quite fluid and agile even despite its size.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. It can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, and the bassinet mode is a great choice for infants (although be aware that babies younger than four months old shouldn't sleep in strollers because of the risk of asphyxia in a position).
If you're looking to expand your options Consider a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can hold two children in a row however it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's fluid and responsive, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs on our list, but it offers an enormous shopping basket that is ideal for parents with bags of groceries and toys.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair , with the addition of an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love the fact that they can recline in multiple positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be elevated to provide a an elevated platform for the older child to get off and on so they can access items in the basket of groceries.
Cher said that the only downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt this was offset because it is easy to move and comes with plenty of storage space, including two cup holders for parents and their children seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket under the seat. She also liked the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be set to face one another for siblings who wish to chat and interact together while out and about.
A lighter, but equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and features a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, and the cost. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as the other models we've tried and the back seat isn't very well-lit due to its position as it's higher than the front seat.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their smaller size Side by side prams are still wider than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. They are also shorter, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.