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. Select a model that offers plenty of storage space to store nappies snacks, nappies, and other essentials.
Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used both as a single stroller when baby is born, and changed to a twin mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you are expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting moments. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation sets in, you'll have to make a number of options for how to prepare your family for. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.
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 typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Some models allow you to choose whether your children look at each other or outwards. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
In terms of price, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be an excellent choice for parents looking to save money without compromising on safety or functionality. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when negotiating curbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a fantastic alternative for a single parent who wants an elegant appearance. However the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy to push. It comes with a clever frame that can be expanded 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 separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a variety of carrycots and car seats.
Side by side
When it comes time to choose a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to consider. Whether you're buying for twins or siblings close in age, there are a number of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams, are popular choices because they can be set up so that the infant can be seated in the bassinet in the middle while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second seat.
Some models come with 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 interact when they walk.
Tandem prams are typically all-terrain buggies or jogging ones that is why they're great for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also a good choice if you need to brave narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts because they tend to be smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example, can be used in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of an Rumble seat. (PS249) If your child is no longer a member of the rumble chair you can switch to a single pram mode. You may also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to transform it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed with a modern style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable.
The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-byside. It is available in a variety of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It's also incredibly easy to collapse. It's also fairly lightweight and compact, making it a great option for those with small cars or limited space to store.
Convertible
The best double prams or pushchairs are 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 room for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. double buggy is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is user-friendly, but our testers felt that it was a little heavy for the price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option which is suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it more compact. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's unique one-handed fold. However, it takes some practice. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. The seat converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler seat, and the bassinet mode is a great choice for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should never sleep in strollers because of the risk of positional asphyxia).
For more flexibility, look for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can accommodate two children in a tandem. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It's responsive and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as lightweight like some of the other models we've reviewed, but it comes with a big basket that is useful for parents who have to carry bags filled with toys and food items.
Lightweight
Some parents like to future-proof 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 to a double with the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well to sleep at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love that they can recline in various positions. They also appreciate the design of the canopy, which has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be elevated to provide a an elevated platform for the child to get on and off, so they can reach items in the shopping basket.
Cher stated that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset by the fact that it is easy to move and comes with plenty of storage space, including two cup holders for children and parents as well as seat-back pockets and a large basket under the seat. She also appreciated the seat's design, which is convertible, which means they can be set to face one another for siblings that want to chat and interact together while out and out and about.
A lighter-weight but just as impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 lbs, is super compact and features an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the price. The only drawbacks are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we have tested and the rear seat is not as well-lit due to its location - it is raised higher than the seat in front.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It is slim, sleek, easy to steer and has an unbeatable lifetime warranty. While they're smaller side-by-side prams may be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they are often shorter too, so can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.