Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify life for families, particularly in busy shops or on busy streets. Pick a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks, 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 later changed to a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of options.
Tandem
The announcement that you are expecting a baby is among the most exciting events in life. However, after the excitement fades and reality sinks into your life, you'll be faced with a variety of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a classic design that have two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for babies. The second seat is more upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Certain models let you choose whether your children look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be converted to a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
A tandem is cheaper than twin prams and can be an ideal choice for parents who want to save money, without compromising safety or functionality. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it may be heavy and long to steer, especially when you're moving up and down kerbs. It is usually less stable than a twin pram especially if the child who is older is seated at the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transportation, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a singleton parent who is looking for something that is sleek however, the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long when pushing. It features an innovative frame that can be expanded to allow for the addition of the second seat, and it can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's simple to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram, there's a lot to consider. If you're buying a double pram for twins or siblings who are close in age, there are a number of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be arranged to fit infants in a bassinet on top, while the larger infant or toddler sits in the second seat below.
Certain models come with reversible seats that allow you to customize the layout of your family throughout the infant and toddler years. This allows you to see your children at all times and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey 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 are also great for narrow aisles and checkouts in shops and supermarkets, as they are smaller.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram from birth in the dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). Then, you can change to a single pram mode when your little one grows out of the rumble seat or choose the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for infant to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colours and has an elegant modern design. It is designed to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your children are secure and comfortable.
If you're looking for a sleek and elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying age groups and is easy to fold. It is also relatively lightweight and therefore a good option for those with smaller vehicles or have limited space to store.
Convertible
Some of the best double prams or pushchairs are set up to accommodate your changing needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats with enough space to carry shopping bags. Accessories like rain covers are also available. In general, convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs because they are required 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 user-friendly, however our testers felt that it was a little heavy for its price.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not in use and makes it more compact. The City Select's innovative single-handed folding impressed our test subjects but it does require some time to master. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than double strollers.
Another option that is reasonably priced is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be transformed from a parent facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great option for infants.
For greater flexibility, opt for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy which can accommodate 2 children side by side, but 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 testers liked its sleek design. It's not as lightweight like some of the other models on our list but it comes with a big basket that's great for parents who are carrying bags of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another so a convertible option is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into a double with the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well for overnight sleeping). Our test subjects were impressed by how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions, come with built-in foot and leg supports and large UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised to provide an elevated platform for a child to climb off and on so they can access items in the shopping basket.
The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher found that this was offset by how easy it is to maneuver and how large the storage is, with two hanging child and parent cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat basket. Cher also appreciated the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be placed to face one another for siblings that want to talk and get together while out and out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a smaller model however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs just 18 pounds, is compact and features an auto-standing fold, making it easy to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the low price point. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as the other models we've examined, and the rear seat isn't as well-lit because of its position as it's higher than the front seats.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes 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 and can be tricky to navigate on busy footpaths or in stores. However, they're generally shorter too, so are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.