Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A good double pram or pushchair can simplify life for families, particularly on busy streets or in stores and shops. Look for a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and then converted to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a range of options.
Tandem
The news that you're about to have to have a baby is among the most exciting events in life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you will have to make a number of options for how you can prepare your family. The best stroller or pram is one of the most important considerations.
Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design with two bassinets or chairs placed side by side. The front seat is typically padded and reclines to a flat position, making it suitable for newborns while the second one is more upright and can accommodate toddlers from around three years older. Some models have reversible seating so you can decide if your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be a great choice for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or functionality. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when you're tripping over curbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transportation, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a fantastic choice for a single parent who wants a sleeker design. However, the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It's got frames that can be expanded 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 simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
There are a lot of things to think about when selecting a double pram or pushchair. 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 options because they can be configured so that the infant can be seated in the bassinet at the top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second seat.
Certain models come with reversible seats that allow you to customize the seating arrangement for your family members throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your children always in your sight and also gives them the chance to interact with each other as they stroll.
Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones which makes them ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops, as they are more compact.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in the dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). Then, you can switch to the single pram mode when your little one is old enough to leave the rumble seat or choose the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for infant to toddler.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is a different alternative. The side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and features an attractive modern style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that is able to be converted into a double side-byside. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It's also incredibly easy to collapse. It's also relatively lightweight, which makes it an ideal choice for families who have small cars or only a little storage space.
Convertible
Some of the best double prams or pushchairs are made into various seats to accommodate your changing needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in the seats or a third child on the seat board and have room for a shopping basket, and the option to add accessories like rain covers is a benefit. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and larger than single pushchairs because they have to hold 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 the money.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not used. The City Select's innovative single-handed folding impressed our test subjects however it requires some practice. It's also extremely fluid and agile in spite of its size.
Another option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat can be converted from a child-facing car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great option for infants.
For greater flexibility, opt for a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can fit two children side-by-side however it can also 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 as some of the other models on our list but it has a large basket that's ideal for parents who are carrying bags of toys and food items.
Lightweight
Some parents prefer to secure their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a great option. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair by the addition of either a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleep overs). double buggy from birth are very comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can recline in various positions. They also appreciate the fact that the canopy has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised high to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.
Cher said that the only downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset because it is easy to maneuver and offers plenty of storage space and cup holders for children and parents seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket underneath the seat. double travel buggy liked that seats can be flipped to be positioned to face each other, which is perfect for siblings who want to talk and interact when they are out and out and about.
A lighter-weight but just as impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and has a self-standing fold, making it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the low price point. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as some other models we've tried, and the rear seat isn't as 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. While they're smaller side-by-side prams may be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they're generally shorter too, so are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.