Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify life for families, particularly in bustling shops or on busy streets. Pick a model with ample storage space to store nappies snacks, nappies, and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the world choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and then converted to a twin mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a wide range of choices.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting moments. But, once the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets in, you could be faced with a multitude of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the best pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is more upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Certain models let you decide if your children will look at each other or face each other. Many tandems have the option of converting into a single pushchair in the event that you decide your oldest child no longer needs the second seat.
In terms of price, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair, and is a great option for parents who want to save money but not compromising on safety or convenience. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when negotiating the kerbs. It's also less stable than twin buggy pushchairs particularly if a larger child is seated in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to get onto public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a great choice for parents who are single and want an elegant style. However the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It comes with a frame that expands in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at one time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
There are many things to consider when choosing a double pushchair or pram. There are many configuration options available, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet on the top, while the larger infant or toddler sits in the lower seat below.
Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family throughout the infant and toddler years. This allows you to keep your little ones always in your sights and also gives them the chance to get to know each other as they stroll.
Tandem prams are typically jogging or all-terrain buggies, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also a good choice when you have to traverse narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets as they are generally more compact double stroller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram from birth in dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child is no longer a member of the rumble chair, you can switch to the single pram mode. You can also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram by Babybee is a different alternative. This double side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed with a modern design. The design is intended to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your little ones are comfortable and safe.
The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side-by-side. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat combinations to cater for twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also fairly light making it an ideal option for those with smaller cars or a limited storage space.
Convertible
Some of the top double pushchairs or prams can be configured into different seats 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 shopping bags. Accessories like 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 is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is user-friendly, however our testers felt that it was a little heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for babies. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not in use, and makes it more compact. The City Select's innovative folding system that is one-handed impressed our test subjects, but it takes some time to master. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.
Another option that is reasonably priced is an option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat can be converted from a child-facing car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode makes it a great option for infants.
If you want more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy which can accommodate 2 children side by side however it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It feels agile and responsive, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs double (see this here) we've reviewed, but it offers an enormous shopping basket that is great for parents who carry bags full of groceries and toys.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who already have one child and are expecting to have another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair to smallest double buggy by the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which works well to sleep at night). Our test subjects were impressed by how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that can recline in a variety of positions, feature built-in leg and foot supports and large UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised to provide a standing platform for the child to climb off and on, so they can reach things in the basket of groceries.
The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher believed that it was balanced by the ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage area is equipped with two hanging parent and child cup holders, seat-back pockets and an enormous underseat basket. Cher also liked that the seats can be reversed so that they can face each other. This is ideal for siblings who like to talk and interact when out and out and about.
A lighter-weight but just as impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 lbs, is super compact and features a self-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 affordable price. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as much as some other models we've tried and the rear seat isn't as well-lit due to 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's worth bearing in mind that, despite their slimmer design Side by side prams remain more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles and can be tricky to navigate on busy streets or in shops. However, they're usually shorter, which means they can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.