Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can make life easier for families, especially in busy shopping centers or on busy streets. Find a model that has ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair that can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and changed to a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting moments. However, after the excitement fades and the reality sets in, you may be faced with a variety of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or one. The best stroller or pram is one of the most important things to consider.
Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a classic style with two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Certain models feature the option of reversible seating, which lets you choose whether your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems have the option of being converted into a single pushchair when you decide your oldest child does not require the second seat.
In terms of cost the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and is a great option for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or function. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it may be heavy and long to steer, especially when you're going up or down kerbs, and it is often less stable than a twin pram particularly if the older child is sitting in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transportation, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great option for a single parent who is looking for something that is sleek however, the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long when pushing. It has a clever frame that expands widthways to allow the addition of the second seat, and it is compatible with many 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 variety of carrycots and car seats.
Side by side
When it comes to selecting a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to consider. There are many configuration options to choose from, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice since they can be configured to accommodate infants with a bassinet at the top, while the larger toddler or infant is in the lower seat below.
Some models have reversible seating that allow you to customize the configuration for your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your children always in your sights and also gives them the chance to get to know each other while they walk.
Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for outdoor excursions, such as to the park. They're also a good choice for those who have to navigate narrow supermarket isles or checkouts because they are generally more compact than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example, can be used in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) If your child gets bored of the rumble seat, you can switch to one pram mode. You can also opt to make use of the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another option. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colours and has an elegant modern design. The design is intended to be used right from the moment of birth, you can choose to add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe.
The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-byside. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different ages. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also fairly lightweight and compact, making it a great choice for those who have smaller vehicles or have limited space for storage.
Convertible
The top double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are capable of changing seating configurations to meet 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 shopping basket, and the option to add accessories such as rain covers is a benefit. Most convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they must be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible that is extremely user-friendly, however our testers thought it was a bit heavy for the money.
Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not in use, and makes it more compact. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our testers but it does require some practice. It also feels quite nimble and agile, despite being larger than other double strollers.
Another option that is affordable is an option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, and the bassinet mode is a fantastic option for infants (although remember that babies under four months old shouldn't sleep in strollers because of the risk of positional asphyxia).
For more flexibility, look for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children in a tandem. It can also be used to make a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. It feels fluid and agile, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed however, it comes with a large shopping basket which is great for parents who carry bags of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy if they have one child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair 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 test subjects love that they can recline in various positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised to provide an elevated platform for the older child to get on and off, so that they can reach items in the shopping basket.
Cher stated that the only downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset by the fact that it's easy to move and offers plenty of storage space, including two cup holders for parents and children as well as seat-back pockets and a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated the feature that the seats are reversible, so they can be positioned to face each other for siblings who wish to talk and interact when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a smaller model however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs only 18 pounds, is small and features self-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. 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 much as some other models we've tested, and the rear seat doesn't have great visibility due to its positioning that is higher than the front seats.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek, easy to steer, and comes with an unbeatable lifetime warranty. Although they are narrower 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 usually smaller, and can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.