Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in bustling shops or on busy streets. Find a model that has 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 once baby is born, and later changed to a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz has a variety of options.
Tandem
The news that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you'll be faced with a variety of choices regarding how you can prepare your family. The right pram or stroller is one of the most important considerations.
Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a timeless design that have two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat is usually covered in padding and reclines to a flat position making it suitable for infants and the second seat is more upright and can be used by toddlers from around three years of age. Some models have seats that can be reversible, so you can choose to have your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer required to have the second seat.
A tandem is less expensive than a twin pushchair pram and is an ideal choice for parents who wish to save money without having to sacrifice safety or functional. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it could feel long and heavy to steer especially when bumping up or down kerbs, and it is generally less stable than a twin pram, especially if the child with the most weight is sitting in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to get onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great option for a single parent looking for a sleeker design, but the tandem mode can make it feel quite heavy and long when pushing. It has an innovative frame that expands in width to accommodate the second seat, and it is compatible with many combinations of carrycots, buggy seats and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.
Side by side
There are a lot of things to think about when selecting a double pram or pushchair. Whether you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age there are a variety of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams, referred to as side-by-side prams are popular choices due to the fact that they can be set up so that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet at the top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second chair.
Certain models come with reversible seats that allow you to customize the seating arrangement for your family during the toddler and baby years. This allows you to see your children at all times, and allows them to interact when they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are great for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also a good option for those who have to navigate narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets as they are generally more compact than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram starting from birth in dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). When your child grows out of the rumble chair you can change to one pram mode. You may also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another option. This double pram side-by-side is available in a variety of colors and features an attractive 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 that your little ones are secure and comfortable.
The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that is able to be converted into a double side-byside. It's available in a range of infant seat and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups and is easy to fold. It's also fairly light, which makes it an ideal choice for families with small cars or limited storage space.
Convertible
The best compact double stroller double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways, and some are even able to change into different seating arrangements to meet your family's changing needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in seats or a third child on the seat board and have room for a shopping basket and the option to add accessories such as rain covers is a benefit. Typically, convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they are required to be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible which is very easy to use, although our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for the money.
Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not used. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold. However, it does take a bit of practice. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It can be transformed from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet-style mode makes it a great option for infants.
For greater flexibility, opt for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy which can accommodate two children side-by-side and can be used as a tandem with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It's responsive and agile and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight double pushchair like some of the other models on our list but it comes with a big basket that's ideal for parents carrying bags full of toys and food items.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who already have a child and expect the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair (click the up coming document) by the addition of an infant seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). The seats are extremely comfortable and our test subjects love that they can recline in various positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be lifted high to offer a standing platform for a child to climb off and on, to allow them to access items in the shopping basket.
Cher stated that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt this was offset by the fact that it's easy to move and has plenty of storage, including two cup holders for parents and their children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket under the seat. Cher also appreciated the seat's design, which is adjustable, meaning they can be positioned to face one another for siblings who want to talk and get together while out and about.
A lighter, but equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs, is super compact and has a self-standing fold, making it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the price is low. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as far as other models we've examined and the back seat isn't very well-lit due to its positioning as it's higher than the front seat.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek, and easy to steer, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that despite their narrower design Side by side prams remain larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They may be difficult to navigate through busy streets or in shops. However, they're generally smaller, and can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.