Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram or pushchair will simplify the lives of families, especially on busy streets or in shops and stores. Pick a model with ample storage space for nappies snacks, nappies, 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, and later transformed into a twin-mode after the baby is born. Joolz provides a variety of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you are expecting a child is among the most exciting events in life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation sets in, you will be faced with many decisions regarding how to prepare your family for. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also known as "in-line" double prams) are a classic design with two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is more upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models come with reversible seating so you can decide if your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
In terms of price, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair, and is a great option for parents who want to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating the kerbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is riding in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to fit onto public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a fantastic choice for parents who are single and want a sleeker style. However, the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It comes with frames that can be expanded in size to accommodate a second seat. It can be used with a range of combinations of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.
Side by side
When it comes to choosing a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to think about. There are a variety of configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be set up to fit infants in a bassinet on top, while the older toddler or infant sits in the lower seat below.
Some models even have convertible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to your family's requirements throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you see your children at all times and gives them the chance to connect with them when they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are great for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They're also a great option for those who have to navigate narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts, as they are generally more compact than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for instance, can be used in tandem mode right from birth, with the addition of an Rumble seat. (PS249) If your child gets bored of the rumble chair you can switch to one pram mode. You can also choose to use the adaptors for car capsules to transform it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another option. This double side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a modern design. It is designed to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side-byside. It's available in a variety of infant seat and carrycot configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of different ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also quite light, which makes it a great choice for those with smaller cars or a limited storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams or pushchairs can be set up to meet your needs as they change. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats, while still having enough space to carry a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers tend to be larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they need to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our reviewers considered it to be a bit heavy for the price.
Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduce in size when not being used. double pushchair were awed by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold, although it takes some time to master. It's also extremely agile and responsive even despite its size.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. It converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, and the bassinet mode is a fantastic option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should not be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).
If you want more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children side-by-side. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It is fluid and agile, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed, but it offers an ample shopping basket that is great for parents who carry bags full of toys and food.
Lightweight
Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double by the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal to sleep at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can be reclined in various positions. They also like the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be raised to provide an elevated platform for the older child to get on and off, so that they can reach things in the shopping basket.
The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher found that it was offset by how easy it is to maneuver and how large the storage is equipped with two hanging parent and child cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat storage basket. Cher also loved that the seats can be reversed so that they can face each other. This is perfect for siblings who want to interact and talk when out and out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a smaller model, but still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is compact, and has an auto-standing fold, making it simple to transport or store in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the low price point. The only downsides are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we have tested and the rear seat is not as visible because of its position and height. It is higher than the first seat.
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 larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. They are also shorter and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.