Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair can simplify the lives of families, especially when walking on busy roads or in shops and stores. Choose a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the world choose a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and later transformed into a twin-mode after the baby arrives. Joolz has a variety of options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in life. However, once the initial excitement wears off and reality sinks in, you may be faced with a myriad of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. The best stroller or pram is one of the most crucial considerations.
Tandem prams (also known as "in-line" double prams) are a timeless design with two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is more upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models allow you to select whether your children stare at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
A tandem is more affordable than a twin pram and is an excellent choice for parents who wish to save money, without losing safety or function. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when bumping over kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchair s, especially if an older child is in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to fit onto public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a single parent looking for a sleeker design however, the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It has an expanded frame that increases in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of buggy seats, car seats and carrycots (two at one time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a variety of carrycots or car seats.
Side by side
When it comes to selecting a double pram or pushchair, there's a lot to consider. Whether you're buying for twins or siblings close in age there are plenty of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice since they can be configured to fit infants in a bassinet on top, while the larger infant or toddler sits in the second seat below.
Some models come with convertible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to meet the needs of your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and gives them the chance to interact while they walk.
Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones that is why they're great for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops as they are less bulky.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram starting from birth in the dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). You can then switch to the single mode when your little one grows out of the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system from infant to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The double side-by-side pram is available in a range of colors and is designed in a contemporary design. The design is intended to be used right from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe.
If you're looking for a sleek and stylish pushchair that converts into a double-sided side-by-side and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It comes in a range of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It's also easy to fold. It's also quite light making it a great choice for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.
Convertible
Some of the top double prams or pushchairs can be configured into different seats to meet your changing needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, while still having enough space for a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they are required to be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our reviewers found it to be a bit heavy for the money.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for newborns. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not in use, and makes it more compact. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's clever one-handed fold, though it takes some time to master. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers .
Another option that is reasonably priced 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-style mode is a great option for infants.
If you're looking to expand your options, consider a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy which can accommodate 2 children side by side however it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's nimble and responsive and our test participants loved 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 full of groceries and toys.
Lightweight
Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another so a convertible option is a great option. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair by the addition of either a toddler seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). Our testers were pleased with how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions, feature built-in leg and foot supports and have UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised to allow the child of a higher age 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's 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 liked that seats can be flipped so that they be positioned to face each other, which is great for siblings who love to talk and interact when out and out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact, and has a self standing fold, making it easy to transport or put in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the affordable price. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as other models we've tried, and the rear seat doesn't have great visibility due to its position as it's higher than the front seat.
Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. Although they are smaller side-by-side prams may be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They are also shorter which makes them more maneuverable in tight spaces.