Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in busy stores or on busy streets. Find a model that has ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once bub is born and then transformed into a twin-mode after the baby has arrived. Joolz offers a range of choices.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a baby is among life's most exciting experiences. Once all terrain double buggy has worn off and the reality of the situation sets in, you'll be faced with a variety of choices regarding how to prepare your family. 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 seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Certain models let you choose whether your children look at each other or outwards. Many tandems can be made into a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
In terms of cost it is cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money but not compromising on safety or convenience. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when you're tripping over kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is riding in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to get onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is an excellent choice for parents who are single and want an attractive appearance. However the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It features an innovative frame that expands widthways 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 separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes to choosing a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to think about. There are numerous configuration options to choose from, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams, are a popular choices because they can be set up in a way that the infant can sit in the bassinet at the top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.
double stroller for twins feature seats that can be reversible, meaning you can alter the seating arrangement to your family's requirements throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey when they walk.
Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures 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 instance, can be utilized 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 seat, you can switch to the single pram mode. You may also opt to make use of the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn to toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram by Babybee is another alternative. The side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and comes with a beautiful modern 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 your baby is safe and comfy.
The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side by side. It's available in a variety of carrycot and infant seat combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying age groups and is easy to fold. It's also light, making it a good option for those with little space in their cars or don't have enough space to store.
Convertible
The top double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are able to change into different seating arrangements to meet the changing needs of your family. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in seats or a third rider on the seat board and still have enough space for a shopping basket, and the ability to add accessories like rain covers is another plus. Convertible double strollers are generally larger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an inexpensive convertible that is very easy to use. However, our test participants considered it to be somewhat heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when it is not used. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's clever one-handed fold, although it takes a bit of practice. It's also extremely agile and responsive in spite of its size.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. It converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet option is a fantastic option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should never be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).
To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can accommodate two children side-by-side. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It's nimble and responsive and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs on our list however it does come with a large shopping basket which is great for parents who carry bags of toys and food.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who have a child and expect the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double by the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is great for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our test subjects love the fact that they can recline in various 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 to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.
Cher stated that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset because it is easy to maneuver and has plenty of storage with two cup holders for children and parents, seat-back pockets, and an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated that seats can be flipped so that they can be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who like to interact and talk when they are out and about.
A lighter, but equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact and has an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the low price. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as much as the other models we've examined and the rear seat doesn't have great visibility because of its position - it's raised higher than the front seat.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It's worth bearing in mind that despite their narrower design, side by side prams are larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they are often shorter, which means they are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.