Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify life for families, particularly on busy footpaths or in shops and stores. Find a model that has ample storage space to store nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some first-time parents opt for a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram when bub is born and then changed into a twin mode once he or she is old enough. Joolz offers a range of choices.
Tandem
The news that you're about to have the birth of a child is one of the most exciting times in life. However, after the initial excitement wears off and reality sinks in, you may be faced with a multitude of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or ones. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams are a classic design that has two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for babies. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to fit toddlers as young as three years. Some models allow you to decide if your children will look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.
In terms of cost it is cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be an excellent choice for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or functionality. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating the kerbs. It is also less stable than twin prams particularly if a larger child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a great option for a single parent who wants an elegant design. However the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long to push. It comes with a frame that expands in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a range of combinations of buggy seats, car seats, and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
There are many things to think about when selecting a double pushchair or pram. If you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age there are a variety of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice since they can be set up to accommodate infants in a bassinet at the top while the older infant or toddler sits in the second seat below.
Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family throughout the infant and toddler years. This lets you see your children at all times and gives them the chance to connect with them while they walk.
Tandem prams are often all-terrain buggies or jogging ones that is why they're great for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a good option for those who have to navigate narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts, as they tend to be smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be used in tandem mode from birth, 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 choose to make use of the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed in a contemporary design. The design is intended to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your baby is secure and comfortable.
The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side by side. It's available in a variety of infant seat and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying age groups and is easy to fold. It's also fairly light making it an ideal option for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.
Convertible
The top double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways, and some are even capable of changing seating configurations to meet your changing family needs. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats, with room for a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Typically, convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs as they have to be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible which is very user-friendly, however our testers thought it was a little heavy for the price.
Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not being used. The City Select's clever single-handed folding impressed our test subjects, but it takes some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.
Another option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat can be converted from a parent facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great option for infants.
If you want more flexibility Consider a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy which can accommodate two children side-by-side and can be used as a tandem by the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's nimble and responsive and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs we've reviewed, but it offers an enormous shopping basket that is handy for parents carrying bags of toys and food.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a good option. double travel stroller can be converted from a single pushchair into double with the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal to sleep at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love that they can recline in various positions. They also like the feature that the canopy comes with a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised so that the older child can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.
Cher stated that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt that this was compensated for because it is easy to maneuver and comes with plenty of storage space, including two cup holders for parents and their children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated the seat's design, which is adjustable, meaning they can be placed to face one another for siblings who want to chat and interact together when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option and still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is small, and has self-standing fold, making it easy to transport or put in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the affordable price. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've examined and the back seat isn't as well-lit due to its position - it's raised higher than the front seats.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It's slim, sleek and easy to steer and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their slimmer design, side by side prams are larger than tandems and in-line doubles and can be tricky to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they're generally shorter, which means they can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.