Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify life for families, particularly on busy streets or in shops and stores. Select a model that offers ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other necessities.
Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram when baby is born. It can be changed into a twin mode when the baby has arrived. Joolz offers a range of options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting the birth of a child is one of the most exciting times in your life. However, once the excitement of the beginning 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 one. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams are a classic design with two bassinets or chairs placed side by side. The front seat is typically cushioned and reclines to a flat position, making it suitable for newborns, while the second seat is more upright and can be used by toddlers from around three years old. Certain models let you decide if your children will look at each other or look outwards. A lot of tandems offer the option of converting into a single pushchair when you decide that your child's oldest no longer needs the second seat.
In terms of cost it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money but not compromising on safety or function. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it may be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer especially when going up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is often less stable than a twin pushchair, particularly if the older child is seated at the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good option for a single parent looking for a sleeker design, but the tandem mode can make it feel quite long and heavy when pushing. It has a frame that expands in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a range 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 carrycots or car seats.
Side by side
When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram there's a lot to think about. There are a variety of configuration options available, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be set up to accommodate infants with a bassinet on top while the older infant or toddler sits in the seat below.
Some models even have seats that can be reversible, meaning you can modify the seating to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to keep your kids in sight at all times and gives them a chance to get to know each other as they stroll.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They're also a good option if you need to brave narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts, as they are generally more compact 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) You can then change to a single pram mode once your child gets used to the rumble seat or select the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to turn it into a traveler from infant to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a modern style. 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 children are secure and comfortable.
If you're seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can be converted into a side-byside double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a variety of carrycot and infant seat combinations to cater for twins or siblings of different age groups and is easy to fold. It's also quite light, which makes it an ideal choice for families with smaller cars or a limited storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are capable of changing seating configurations to meet your changing family needs. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats while still having room for a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. In general, convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs as they have to 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 found it to be somewhat heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This reduces the size of the double stroller when not in use and makes it more compact. The City Select's innovative, one-handed folding impressed our test participants, but it takes some practice. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. twin pushchairs can be transformed from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great choice for infants.
If you're looking for more flexibility Consider a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that can accommodate two children at the same time. It can be used to create a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. It's responsive and agile and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs on our list however it does come with an ample shopping basket that is handy for parents carrying bags full of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents prefer to secure their double pushchair if they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a good option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into a double with the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which is great for sleeping at night). Our test subjects were impressed by the comfort of the seats and loved the fact that can recline in a variety of positions, come with built-in leg and foot supports and have UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised to provide an elevated platform for a child to get on and off, so that they can reach things in the shopping basket.
Cher stated that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset because it is easy to maneuver and offers plenty of storage space, including two cup holders for parents and their children seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also loved that the seats can be turned so that they can face each other. This is ideal for siblings who like to chat and have conversations while out and about.
A lighter, but equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 lbs, is super compact and features a self-standing fold, making it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship and the low price point. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as some other models we've examined and the rear seat isn't as well-lit due to its positioning that is higher than the front seat.
Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, and comes with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their smaller size side by side prams are still wider than tandem and in-line doubles and can be tricky to navigate on busy footpaths or in stores. They are also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.