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 first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and then converted to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz has a variety of choices.
Tandem
The news that you're about to have a baby is one of the most exciting times in life. However, after the excitement of the beginning fades and reality begins to sink into your life, you'll be faced with a variety of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a classic style that feature two seats or pram bassinets arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as three years. Some models let you choose whether your children look at each other or outwards. A lot of tandems offer the option to convert into a single pushchair in the event that you decide that your oldest child no longer needs the second seat.
In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair and is a great option for parents looking to save money without compromising on safety or function. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it could be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, particularly when going up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is usually less stable than a twin pushchair, especially if the child with the most weight is sitting in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a singleton parent looking for a sleeker design however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite long and heavy when pushing. It comes with frames that can be expanded in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of buggy seats, car seats, and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
There are many things to consider when choosing a double pushchair or pram. If you're buying for twins or siblings who are close in age there are a variety of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be arranged to accommodate infants with a bassinet at the top, while the older toddler or infant sits in the lower seat below.
Some models even have reversible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to your family's requirements throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to keep your children in sight at all times and also gives them the chance to get to know one another as they walk.
Tandem prams are often jogging or all-terrain buggies which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a good option for those who have to navigate narrow supermarket isles or checkouts because they're generally smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram starting from birth in the dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). Then, you can switch to the single mode once your child grows out of the rumble seat or select the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a travel system from newborn to toddler.
The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another option. This double side-by-side pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a contemporary style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable.
If you're seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of various age groups and is easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight, which makes it an ideal choice for families who have small cars or only a little storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways and some are able to change into different seat configurations to suit the changing needs of your family. You can fit two toddlers in a seat or a third rider on the seat board and have room for a basket to store your shopping, and the ability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is another advantage. In general, convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they are required to be able to accommodate two or more children. double stroller with bassinet is an example of an inexpensive convertible that is very easy to use. However, our reviewers considered it to be quite heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for babies. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not being used and makes it smaller. The City Select's innovative folding system that is one-handed impressed our test subjects however it requires some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. The seat converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet-style mode is a great choice for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should never use strollers to sleep due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).
If you're looking for more flexibility Consider a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy which can accommodate two children side-by-side however it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It feels nimble and agile, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as light like some of the other models on our list but it has a large basket that is useful for parents who have to carry bags filled with toys and food items.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are a great alternative for parents who have children and anticipate to have another. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleep overs). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and adore the fact that they both recline to different positions, feature 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, but Cher believed that it was overcome by the ease to move around and how big the storage area 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 to be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who want to interact and talk when out and out and about.
A lighter and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact and features a self-standing fold that makes it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, and the low price. The only downsides are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we've tried and the rear seat isn't as prominent because of its position as it is higher than the front seat.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that despite their narrower design Side by side prams are still wider than tandem and in-line doubles and can be tricky to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. They are also smaller, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.