Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy streets or in shops and stores. Choose a model that has ample storage space for nappies as well as 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 stroller when bub is born and then changed into a twin mode after the baby has arrived. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The news that you're about to have a baby is one of the most exciting events in your life. After strollers double strollers wears off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you will have to make a number of options for how to prepare your family. The right pram or stroller is among the most important considerations.
Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design with two seats or bassinets placed side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to fit toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models allow you to choose whether your children look at each other or face each other. Many tandems have the option to convert into a single pushchair in the event that you decide that your oldest child does not require the second seat.
A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and can be a great option for parents looking to save money, but without compromising safety or functionality. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when bumping over the kerbs. It's also less stable than twin prams, especially if an older child is seated in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to get onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a great option for parents with one child who want a sleeker appearance. However, the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It features a clever frame that can be expanded to allow the addition of the second seat, and it can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy seats and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of car seats or carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes to selecting a double pushchair or pram there's plenty to think about. If you're buying a double pram for twins or other siblings that are similar in age, there are a number of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be configured to fit infants in a bassinet on top, while the older infant or toddler sits in the second seat below.
Some models even have convertible seats, which means you can modify the seating to suit your family's needs throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and allows them to interact when they walk.
Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for trips outdoors, such as to the park. These are also good for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets, as they are less bulky.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example, can be used in tandem mode right from birth, with the addition of the rumble seat. (PS249) If your child gets bored of the rumble seat, you can change to the single pram mode. You may also opt to use the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another alternative. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and comes with an elegant modern design. It is designed to be used from birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're looking for a sleek and elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double-sided side-by-side, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat combinations to cater for twins or siblings of various ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also lightweight and therefore a good option for those with little space in their cars or don't have enough space to store.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways, and some are even able to change into different seating configurations to meet the changing needs of your family. It is possible to fit two toddlers in seats or a third rider on the seat board, and still have enough space for a shopping basket, and the capability to add accessories like rain covers is a advantage. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our test participants considered it to be a bit heavy for its price.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not in use and makes it smaller. The City Select's innovative, one-handed folding impressed our testers, but it takes some practice. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.
Another option that is affordable is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a parent-facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great option for infants.
For more flexibility, look for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy which can accommodate 2 children side by side and can be used as a tandem with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. 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 an ample shopping basket that is ideal for parents with bags of groceries and toys.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who already have a child and expect another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into a double with the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers love that they can recline in various positions. They also appreciate the fact that the canopy has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised so that the older child can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.
Cher said that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset by the fact that it is easy to move and has plenty of storage with two cup holders for parents and children as well as seat-back pockets and an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated the feature that the seats are reversible, so they can be placed to face one another for siblings that want to chat and interact together when out and out and about.
A lighter, but equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and has an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the price is low. The only downsides are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we've tested and the rear seat is not as well-lit due to its location - it is raised higher than the first seat.
Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their slimmer design Side by side prams remain larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They may be difficult to navigate on busy streets or in shops. They're also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.