Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify life for families, particularly in bustling shopping centers or on busy streets. Look for a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the world choose a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used both as a single stroller once baby is born, and later changed to a twin mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a variety of these options.
Tandem
The news that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in your life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will have to make a number of decisions regarding how you can prepare your family. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams are a classic design with two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models have the option of reversible seating, which lets you 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 in need of the second seat.
In terms of price, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money without compromising on safety or convenience. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when negotiating curbs. It is also less stable than twin prams particularly if a larger child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great option for a single parent who wants something streamlined however the tandem mode can make it feel quite large 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 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 and carrycots.
Side by side
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting a double pram or pushchair. Whether you're buying for twins or siblings who are close in age there are plenty of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be configured to fit infants in a bassinet at the top while the older toddler or infant is in the second seat below.
Some models have reversible seats that allow you to customize the layout of your family during the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your little ones always in your sight and also gives them the chance 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 ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops because they are less bulky.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram from birth in dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child is no longer a member of the rumble chair, you can change to one pram mode. You can also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The double side-by-side pram is available in a range of colors and is designed in a contemporary design. Designed to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is safe and comfy.
The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-by-side. It's available in a range of infant and carrycot configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also quite light, which makes it an ideal option for those with smaller cars or a limited storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs are versatile and some are capable of changing seat configurations to suit your family's changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in a seat or a third child on the seat board, and still have enough space for a shopping basket and the option to add accessories such as rain covers is a plus. Typically, convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs because they are required to be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is user-friendly, but our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for newborns. small double stroller allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduce in size when it is not used. The City Select's clever, one-handed folding impressed our test participants, but it takes some time to master. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. The seat converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat, and the bassinet mode is a great option for infants (although remember that babies under 4 months old should not be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).
For greater flexibility, opt for a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can fit 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 nimble and responsive, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as the other models on our list but it has a large basket that's ideal for parents who are carrying bags of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents prefer to secure their double buggy if they have one child and are expecting another so a convertible option 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 works well to sleep at night). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and love the fact that both recline to different positions, feature built-in leg and foot support and generous UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised high so that the older child can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.
The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher found that this was offset by the ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage space is with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. Cher also loved that the seats can be reversed so that they can face each other, which is perfect for siblings who like to talk and interact when they are out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option, but still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is compact and features self-standing fold, making it simple to transport or store 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 don't recline as much compared to other models we've tested and the rear seat is not as visible because of its position and height. It is higher than the front seat.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower, side-by-side prams can still be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. They're also shorter, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.