Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify life for families, particularly on busy streets or in shops and stores. Select a model that offers ample storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other necessities.
Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and then converted to a twin mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a range of options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting experiences. But, once the excitement of the beginning fades and the reality sets in, you may be faced with a myriad of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is more upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models have reversible seating so you can choose to have your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer required to have the second seat.
In terms of price the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money without compromising on safety or functionality. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating curbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is riding in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to navigate narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is an excellent option for parents who are single and want an attractive style. However, the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It comes with an innovative frame that expands in width to allow the addition of the second seat, and is compatible with many combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's simple to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.
Side by side
When it comes to selecting a double pushchair or pram there's a lot to think about. If you're buying for twins or siblings who are close in age there are plenty of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be arranged to fit infants in a bassinet on the top, while the older toddler or infant sits in the seat below.
Some models have reversible seating which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to see your children at all times and allows them to interact when they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops because they are less bulky.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). When your child grows out of the rumble seat, you can change to the single pram mode. You can also choose to use the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn to toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another option. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed in a contemporary style. It is designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your little ones are secure and comfortable.
The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-by-side. It is available in a variety of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It is also super-easy to fold. It's also fairly light, making it a good choice for those who have little space in their cars or don't have enough space for storage.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways and some are capable of changing seating configurations to meet your changing family needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in a seat or even a third one on the seat board and still have space for a basket to store your shopping, and the ability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is a advantage. In general, convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they must be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our reviewers thought it was somewhat heavy for the price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for babies. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it smaller. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's unique one-handed fold, although it does take some practice. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. The seat can be converted from a child-facing car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet-style mode is a great choice for infants.
If you're looking to expand your options look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can fit two children side-by-side 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 test users liked its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs in our list however it does come with a large shopping basket which is handy for parents carrying bags of toys and food.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy if they have a child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair a double with the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which works well for overnight sleeping). stokke double stroller were impressed by the comfort of the seats and loved the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions, come with built-in leg and foot support and have UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be elevated to provide a a standing platform for the older child to climb on and off, so they can access items in the basket of groceries.
Cher stated that the only downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset by the fact that it is easy to move and has plenty of storage and cup holders for parents and their children seats-back pockets, as well as an enormous basket underneath the seat. She also appreciated the seat's design, which is adjustable, meaning they can be placed to face each other for siblings that want to talk and interact while out and about.
A lighter-weight but just as impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 lbs, is super compact and features an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship and the affordable price. The only downsides are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we have tested and the rear seat is not as well-lit due to its position as it is higher than the first seat.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an unbeatable lifetime warranty. It is important to remember that despite their narrower design, side by side prams are still larger than tandems and in-line doubles and can be tricky to navigate on busy streets or in shops. They are also smaller, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.