Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify life for families, especially in busy stores or on busy streets. Choose a model that has ample storage space to store 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 once baby is born. It can be changed into a twin mode once he or she is born. Joolz offers a range of choices.
Tandem
The news that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting moments in your life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you'll be faced with many options for how to prepare your family. The proper stroller or pram is among the most important considerations.
Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design with two bassinets or seats 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 accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Certain models feature seats that can be reversible, so you can choose to have your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems also have the option to convert into a single pushchair if you decide that your child's oldest does not require the second seat.
In terms of price the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair and is a great option for parents who want to save money but not compromising on safety or functionality. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating curbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit onto public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is an excellent option for parents with one child who want an elegant design. However the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It comes with a clever frame that can be expanded to accommodate the second seat, and it can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly 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. Whether you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age there are plenty of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet on top, while the larger toddler or infant sits in the lower seat below.
Some models even feature convertible seats, which means you can modify the seating to suit your family's needs throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to see your children at all times, and allows them to connect with them when they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for outdoor excursions, such as to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops, as they are more compact.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram from birth in dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child gets bored of the rumble seat, you can change to one pram mode. You can also opt to use the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another option. This double side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a contemporary style. It is designed to be used right from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your children are safe and comfy.
If you're looking for a sleek, elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double-sided side-by-side, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a range of infant seat and carrycot configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups and is easy to fold. It's also fairly light and therefore an ideal option for those with small cars or limited storage space.
Convertible
The top double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways, and some are even able to change into different seating arrangements to meet your changing family needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats while still having room for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Typically, convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable which is very easy to use, although our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for the money.
Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not used. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our testers, but it takes some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. It can be transformed from a child-facing car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great option for infants.
For more flexibility, look for a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that is able to accommodate two children side-by-side. It can also be used to create a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It's responsive and agile and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light like some of the other models on our list however it does come with a huge basket that's great for parents who are carrying bags filled with toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double pushchair if they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model 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 works well for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers love that they can be reclined in multiple positions. They also appreciate the feature that the canopy comes with a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.
Cher said that the one downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset because it is easy to maneuver and offers plenty of storage space with two cup holders for children and parents, seat-back pockets, and a large basket under the seat. She also appreciated the fact that the seats are convertible, which means they can be set to face each other for siblings who wish to chat and interact together when out and out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option and still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is small, and has self-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the low cost. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as much as some other models we've tested and the back seat doesn't have great visibility due to its position that is higher than the front seat.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It's slim, sleek, and easy to steer and has a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their smaller size Side by side prams are larger than tandems and in-line doubles and can be difficult to navigate on busy footpaths or in stores. However, they're usually shorter too, so are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.