Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify the lives of families, particularly in busy shops or on busy streets. Select a model that offers ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some first-time parents opt for an infant pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when baby is born. It can be changed into a twin mode after the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you are expecting a child is one of the most exciting events in life. However, once the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets in, you could be faced with a variety of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a timeless design with two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side-by-side. The front seat is typically padded and reclines to a flat position making it suitable for infants, while the second seat is more upright and can accommodate toddlers from around three years old. Some models have seats that can be reversible, so you can choose to have your children face one another or look at you. A lot of tandems offer the option to convert into a single pushchair if you decide that your oldest child does not require the second seat.
In terms of cost, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be an excellent choice for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it can be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer especially when bumping up or down kerbs. It is usually less stable than a twin pram particularly if the older child is seated in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is an excellent choice for a single parent who wants an elegant style. However the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long to push. It's got a frame that expands in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a range of combinations of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at a time or separately). 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
When it comes time to choose a double pram or pushchair, there's a lot to consider. If you're buying a double pram for twins or siblings who are close in age there are plenty of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet on the top, while the older toddler or infant is in the seat below.
Some models come with convertible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to meet the needs of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times and allows them to be a part of the journey when they walk.
Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They're also a good choice for those who have to navigate narrow supermarket isles or checkouts as they tend to be more compact than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram from birth in the dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). You can then change to a single pram mode once your baby is old enough to leave the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for newborn to toddler.
Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double pram side-by-side is available in a range of colors and comes with a beautiful modern style. Designed to be used right from the moment of birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a side-byside double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It is available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different ages. It's also easy to collapse. It's also lightweight and compact, making it a great choice for those who have small cars or limited space for storage.
Convertible
The best double prams or pushchairs are configured into different seats to accommodate your changing needs. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, while still having room for shopping bags. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and larger than single pushchairs because they need to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is extremely user-friendly, however our testers felt that it was a little heavy for the price.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not in use and makes it smaller. The City Select's clever single-handed folding impressed our test participants however it requires some practice. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. The seat converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet-style mode is a great choice for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should not be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of positional asphyxia).
To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. compact twin stroller is a narrow double buggy that can fit 2 children side by side, but it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's fluid and agile, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as the other models we've reviewed, however it does come with a huge basket that's ideal for parents who have to carry bags full of toys and other items.
Lightweight
Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is great to sleep at night). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can be reclined in multiple positions. They also appreciate the fact that the canopy has an open window that can be seen from afar and has UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be lifted high to offer a standing platform for the child to get off and on, so they can reach items in the basket of groceries.
The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher felt it was balanced by its ease to move around and how big the storage space is equipped with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. She also liked the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be placed to face one another for siblings who wish to talk and get together when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a smaller model however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs only 18 pounds, is lightweight, and has self-standing fold, making it simple to transport or put in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the affordable price. The only negatives are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we've tried and the rear seat isn't as visible due to its location 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, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that despite their narrower design Side by side prams remain wider than tandem and in-line doubles and can be tricky to navigate on busy footpaths or in stores. They are also smaller which makes them more maneuverable in tight spaces.