Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A good double pram or pushchair can simplify the lives of families, especially when walking on busy roads or in shops and stores. Find a model that has 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 pram when bub is born and then converted into a twin mode once he or she has arrived. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a child is among life's most exciting experiences. However, once the excitement fades and reality sinks into your life, you'll be faced with a myriad of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a classic design that feature two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side by side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Some models allow you to decide if your children will look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems have the option to convert into a single pushchair when you decide your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.
In terms of cost the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be a great choice for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or function. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over curbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a single parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It's got frames that can be expanded in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of carrycots and car seats.
Side by side
When it comes time to choose a double pram or pushchair there's plenty to think about. There are numerous configuration options to choose from, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams, are popular choices due to the fact that they can be set up so that the infant can sit in the bassinet in the middle while the older child or toddler is seated in the second seat.
Some models even feature seats that can be reversible, meaning you can adapt the configuration to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you keep your children in sight at all times and also gives them the an opportunity to interact with each other as they stroll.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are great for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also a good choice when you have to traverse 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 starting from birth in dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). When your child grows out of the rumble chair you can switch to the single pram mode. You can also opt to make use of the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn to toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram by Babybee is a different alternative. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and comes with a beautiful modern style. It is designed to be used from the moment of birth, you can add 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's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of different ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight and therefore an ideal choice for families who have small cars or only a little storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways, and some are even able to change into different seat configurations to suit the changing needs of your family. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats, and still have enough space for shopping bags. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very inexpensive convertible that is very easy to use. However, our testers considered it to be a bit heavy for the price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not used. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold. However, it takes some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.
Another affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a parent facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet-style mode is a great option for infants.
If you want more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that is able to accommodate two children at the same time. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It is responsive and nimble, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs we've reviewed however, it comes with an enormous shopping basket that is handy for parents carrying bags of groceries and toys.
Lightweight
Some parents prefer to secure their double pushchair if they have a child and are expecting another and a convertible model is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair by 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 love the fact that can recline in a variety of positions, have built-in leg and foot supports and large UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised high so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.
The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher found that this was offset by the ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage is with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and an enormous underseat basket. She also appreciated the fact that the seats are convertible, which means they can be positioned to face one another for siblings who wish to talk and get together while out and about.
twin stroller and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 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 appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, and the low cost. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as other models we've examined, and the rear seat isn't very well-lit due to its positioning - it's raised higher than the front seats.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their smaller size side by side prams are still larger than tandems and in-line doubles and can be difficult to navigate through crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they are often shorter, which means they can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.