Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can make life easier for families, especially in busy stores or on busy streets. Find a model that has generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the world choose a future-proof pushchair that can be used both as a single stroller when baby is born, and transformed into a twin-mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a range of options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a baby is among life's most exciting experiences. But, once the initial excitement wears off and reality begins to sink in, you could be faced with a myriad of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. The right pram or stroller is among the most crucial considerations.
Tandem prams (also known as "in-line" double prams) are a timeless design that have two seats or pram bassinets 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 3 years old. Some models let you choose whether your children look at each other or face each other. A lot of tandems offer the option to convert into a single pushchair in the event that you decide your oldest child no longer needs the second seat.
A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and is a great option for parents who want to save money without having to sacrifice safety or functional. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when negotiating the kerbs. It's also less stable than twin prams especially when a bigger child is seated in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a singleton parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It comes with a frame that expands in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of car seats, buggy seats, and carrycots (two at one time or in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of carrycots and car seats.
Side by side
There are many things to take into consideration when selecting a double pram or pushchair. There are a variety of 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 set up to fit infants in a bassinet on the top while the older toddler or infant sits in the second seat below.
Certain models come with reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family members throughout the toddler and baby years. This will allow you to keep your little ones always in your sight and gives them a chance to interact with each other while they walk.
Tandem prams are typically all-terrain buggies or jogging ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a good choice when you have to traverse narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts, as they tend to be smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram starting from birth in dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). It is then possible to change to a single pram mode once your baby grows out of the rumble seat, or use the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to turn it into a travel system for infant to toddler.
Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colours and has an elegant modern design. It is designed to be used from the moment of birth, you can add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're looking for a sleek and elegant pushchair that can convert into a double-sided side-by-side and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different age groups. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also light and therefore a good option for those with little space in their cars or don't have enough space for storage.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are capable of changing seating arrangements to meet the changing needs of your family. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, and still have enough space to carry a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. In general, convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be capable of holding two or more children. cheap double pushchair is an example of a very affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our testers considered it to be a bit heavy for the price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot that is suitable for infants. 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 testers but it does require some practice. It's also very agile and responsive, despite its size.
Another option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a parent facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature makes it a great option for infants.
To be more flexible, opt for a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can hold two children in a row, but it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It is responsive and nimble and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs on our list however it does come with an ample shopping basket that is great for parents who carry bags full of groceries and toys.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are a great alternative for parents who have children and anticipate the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair by the addition of either an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). Our test subjects were impressed by the comfort of the seats and adore the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions, have built-in foot and leg supports and have UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised high to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.
The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher believed that it was overcome by its ease to move around and how big the storage is with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and an enormous underseat basket. Cher also liked that the seats can be reversed to face each other. This is great for siblings who love to talk and interact when out and out and about.
A lighter and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact and has a self-standing fold, making it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the low price point. The only downsides are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we've tested and the rear seat is not as prominent because of its position as it is higher than the first 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 a lifetime guarantee. Although they are smaller side-by-side prams may be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They are also smaller and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.