Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair can simplify life for families, particularly on busy footpaths or in shops and stores. Look for a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the world choose a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller once baby is born, and then converted to a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a baby is among life's most exciting moments. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation sets in, you'll be faced with many choices regarding how to prepare your family. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design that has two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat is typically padded and reclines to a flat position making it suitable for babies and the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years older. Certain models feature the option of reversible seating, which lets you choose to have your children face each other or look out at you. A lot of tandems offer the option of converting into a single pushchair when you decide your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.
In terms of price the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money but not compromising on safety or function. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it can be heavy and long to steer, especially when you're bumping up or down kerbs. It is often less stable than a twin pram, especially if the child who is older is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit onto public transport and can be difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is an excellent option for a single parent who wants a sleeker style. However the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long to push. It comes with a frame that expands in size to accommodate a second seat. It can be used with a variety of car seats, buggy seats, and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). 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
When it comes time to choose a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to think about. There are many configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are popular choices because they can be set up in a way that the infant can sit in the bassinet in the middle while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second chair.
Certain models come with reversible seats that let you customize the configuration for your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you keep your children in sight at all times and gives them a an opportunity to interact with one another as they walk.
Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones that is why they're great for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a great option if you need to brave narrow supermarket isles or checkouts, as they're generally more compact than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram from birth in dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child is no longer a member of the rumble chair, you can switch to a single pram mode. You may also opt to use the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn to toddler travel system.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed with a modern design. It is designed to be used right from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your little ones are safe and comfy.
The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-byside. It is available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different ages. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also fairly lightweight and therefore a good choice for those who have little space in their cars or don't have enough space to store.
Convertible
The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile and some are capable of changing seating arrangements to meet the changing needs of your family. You can fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats, and still have enough space for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. In general, convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible that is extremely user-friendly, however our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for the money.
Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our testers, but it takes some time to master. It is also quite responsive and nimble in spite of its size.
Another affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet-style mode is a great option for infants (although remember that babies under four months old shouldn't use strollers to sleep due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).
For greater flexibility, opt for a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that can accommodate two children at the same time. It can also be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. Push Chairs And Prams and responsive, and our test users loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other models we've reviewed, however it does come with a huge basket that is useful for parents who have to carry bags full of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a good option. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair by the addition of either an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that both recline to multiple positions, have built-in leg and foot supports and generous UPF 50+ canopy 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 shopping basket.
The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher felt it was balanced by the ease to maneuver and how large the storage is equipped with two hanging parent and child cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as a large underseat storage basket. Cher also appreciated the feature that the seats are convertible, which means they can be placed to face each other for siblings who wish to talk and interact when out and about.
A lighter and equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 lbs. It is compact and has a self-standing fold that makes it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the price. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as other models we've tried, and the rear seat isn't very well-lit due to its position - it's raised higher than the front seat.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their smaller size side by side prams are more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles and can be tricky to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. They are also smaller and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
