Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify life for families, particularly in bustling stores or on busy streets. Choose a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some first-time parents opt for an infant pushchair that can be used as a single pram when bub is born and then transformed into a twin-mode when the baby is old enough. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting experiences. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation sets in, you will be faced with a variety of options for how you can prepare your family. One of the most important things to consider 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 is usually cushioned 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 old. Some models allow you to select whether your children stare at each other or outwards. Many tandems can be made into a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.
In terms of cost the tandem 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. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it could feel long and heavy to steer, especially when you're bumping up or down kerbs, and it is usually less stable than a twin pushchair, especially if the child who is older is seated in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to get onto public transport and is difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a singleton parent looking for a sleeker design, but the tandem mode can make it feel quite long and heavy when pushing. It comes with a clever frame that can be expanded to accommodate the second seat, and it can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's simple 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. If you're buying a double pram for twins or siblings who are close in age, there are a number of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams, referred to as side-by-side prams, are popular choices because they can be configured so that the infant can sit in the bassinet at the top while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.
Some models have reversible seats that let you customize the configuration for your family during the infant and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey when they walk.
Tandem prams are typically all-terrain buggies or jogging ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also a great option for those who have to navigate narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets as they tend to be smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in the dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). When your child grows out of the rumble chair you can change to one pram mode. You may also opt 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 another alternative. single to double buggy -by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and comes with an elegant modern design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can also include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side by side. It comes in a range of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It's also incredibly easy to fold. It's also lightweight, making it a good choice for those who have smaller vehicles or have limited space for storage.
Convertible
The best double prams or pushchairs can be set up to accommodate your changing needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in seats or even a third one on the seat board, and still have space for a basket to store your shopping, and the capability to add accessories such as rain covers is also a benefit. Typically, convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our reviewers considered it to be a bit heavy for the price.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it smaller. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's clever one-handed fold. However, it does take some time to master. It is also quite responsive and nimble even despite its size.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It can be transformed from a child-facing car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great choice for infants.
For greater flexibility, opt for a convertible that has dual modes like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children side-by-side. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It's nimble and responsive and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed however, it comes with an enormous shopping basket that is great for parents who carry bags full of groceries and toys.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have one child and are expecting the arrival of a second. 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 optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can recline in various positions. They also like the design of the canopy, which has an open window that can be seen from afar and has 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 shopping basket.
Cher said that the one downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt that this was compensated for because it is easy to maneuver and has plenty of storage and cup holders for children and parents, seat-back pockets, and a large basket under the seat. Cher also liked that seats can be flipped so that they can face each other, which is great for siblings who love to chat and have conversations when 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 just 18 pounds, is compact and features an auto-standing fold, making it easy to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the affordable cost. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as other models we've tried and the rear seat isn't as well-lit because of its position that is higher than the front seats.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It's slim, sleek, and easy to steer and has a lifetime guarantee. It's worth bearing in mind that despite their narrower design side by side prams are larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate on busy streets or in shops. However, they're generally shorter too, so can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.