Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram or pushchair can simplify life for families, particularly on busy streets or in the shops and stores. Find a model that has generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used both as a single stroller when baby is born, and then converted to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz provides a variety of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you are expecting a child is one of life's most exciting experiences. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will be faced with many choices regarding how you can prepare your family. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams are a classic design with two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat is typically padded and reclines to a flat position, making it suitable for infants and the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years older. Some models let you decide if your children will look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
A tandem is less expensive than a twin pram and is an ideal choice for parents looking to save money, without having to sacrifice safety or functional. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when bumping over kerbs. It's also less stable than twin prams particularly if a larger child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transportation, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good option for a single parent who is looking for something that is sleek, but the tandem mode can make it feel quite heavy and long when pushing. It comes with frames that can be expanded 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 is another lightweight tandem option that's simple to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes to choosing a double pushchair or pram, there's a lot to think about. If you're buying for twins or siblings close in age, there are a number of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice since they can be set up to accommodate infants in a bassinet at the top while the older toddler or infant sits in the seat below.
Some models come with reversible seats, which means you can modify the seating to suit your family's needs throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your kids always in your sight and gives them a an opportunity to interact with each other as they stroll.
Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for outdoor excursions, such as to the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets, as they are less bulky.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example, can be utilized in tandem mode from birth with the addition of an Rumble seat. (PS249) If your child is no longer a member 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 to a toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is a different option. This double pram side-by-side is available in a range of colors and comes with an elegant modern design. It is designed to be used from birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a range of infant seat and carrycot configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight making it an ideal option for those with smaller cars or a limited storage space.
Convertible
The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile and some are capable of changing seating configurations to meet the changing needs of your family. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in the seats or even a third one on the seat board and still have space for a shopping basket and the capability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is also a advantage. In general, 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 a very inexpensive convertible that is very easy to use. However, double pram and pushchair considered it to be somewhat heavy for its price.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not in use, and makes it more compact. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold. However, it takes some time to master. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite being bigger than double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. It can be converted from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet-style mode is a great option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should not sleep in strollers because of the risk of positional asphyxia).
For greater flexibility, opt for a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that is able to accommodate two children at the same time. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It is responsive and nimble and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed however it does come with an enormous shopping basket that is great for parents who carry bags of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another so a convertible option is a good option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair to double with the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well for overnight sleeping). Our testers were pleased with how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that they both recline to multiple positions, come with built-in leg and foot supports and generous UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised to provide an elevated platform for the child to get on and off, so they can reach items in the basket of groceries.
Cher stated that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt that this was compensated for because it is easy to maneuver and has plenty of storage with two cup holders for parents and their children as well as seat-back pockets and an enormous basket underneath the seat. She also appreciated the feature that the seats are adjustable, meaning they can be set to face each other for siblings who wish to chat and interact together while out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option, but still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is compact, and has a self standing fold, making it simple to transport or store in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the low price point. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as other models we've tried, and the rear seat isn't very well-lit because of its position - it's raised higher than the front seat.
Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their smaller size, side by side prams remain larger than tandems and in-line doubles and can be difficult to navigate on busy streets or in shops. They are also shorter which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.