Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram or pushchair can simplify life for families, particularly when walking on busy roads or in shops and stores. Choose a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are first-time parents choose an infant pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and later transformed into a twin-mode when the baby is born. Joolz provides a variety of these options.
Tandem
The news that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting moments in life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will be faced with a variety of options for how you can prepare your family. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat is usually covered in padding and reclines to a flat position making it suitable for infants while the second one is more upright and can accommodate toddlers from around three years old. Some models let you select whether your children stare 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 more affordable than a twin pram and is a great option for parents who want to save money, but without having to sacrifice safety or functional. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it could feel long and heavy to steer, particularly when going up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is generally less stable than a twin pram, especially if the child with the most weight is seated at the front. A tandem can be difficult to place 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 however the tandem mode can make it feel large and heavy when pushing. It features an innovative frame that expands in width to allow the addition of the second seat, and can be used with a variety of combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a variety of carrycots or car seats.
Side by side
There are many things to consider when choosing a double pushchair or pram. If you're buying a double pram for twins or siblings close in age, there are a number of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are popular options because they can be set up so that the infant can be seated in the bassinet on top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second seat.
Some models have reversible seats that allow you to customize the layout of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to keep your children always in your sight and also gives them a chance to get to know each other as they stroll.
Tandem prams are usually all-terrain buggies or jogging ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles and checkouts in shops and supermarkets as they are more compact.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be utilized in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition 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 can also choose to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn to toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is a different alternative. This double pram side-by-side is available in a variety of colors and features an elegant modern design. The design is intended 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.
If you're seeking a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a double-sided side-by-side then the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of carrycot and infant seat combinations to cater for twins or siblings of varying age groups and is easy to fold. It's also light and therefore a good choice for those who have little space in their cars or don't have enough space for storage.
Convertible
Some of the top double prams or pushchairs can be set up to accommodate your changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in the seats or even a third one on the seat board and have space for a shopping basket, and the capability to add accessories like rain covers is a plus. Most convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they must be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is user-friendly, however our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for the money.
Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduce in size when not being used. The City Select's innovative single-handed folding impressed our test subjects however it requires some practice. It's also very nimble and agile, despite being larger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. The seat converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, and the bassinet mode is a great option for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should never be able to sleep in strollers due to the danger of asphyxia from position).
If you want more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can hold two children in a row and can be used as a tandem with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's responsive and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light like some of the other models we've reviewed, but it comes with a big basket that's ideal for parents carrying bags of toys and other items.
Lightweight
Some parents prefer to secure their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a good option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into a double with the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal for overnight sleeping). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions, feature built-in leg and foot supports and generous UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised to provide a standing platform for the older child to climb off and on, so that they can reach items in the shopping basket.
Cher said that the one disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset by the fact that it is easy to move and offers plenty of storage space and cup holders for children and parents, seat-back pockets, and a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be reversed so that they face each other. lightweight double buggy is perfect for siblings who want to interact and talk while out and out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs only 18 pounds, is small, and has an auto-standing fold, making it easy to transport or store in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the affordable price. The only downsides are that the seats don't recline as well as other models we have tested and the rear seat isn't as prominent due to its position and height. It is higher than the seat in front.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their smaller size side by side prams are still more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate on busy streets or in shops. They're also shorter and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.