Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in busy shopping centers or on busy streets. Find a model that has ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram when baby is born, and later converted into a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz provides a variety of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a child is one of the most exciting events in life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will be faced with a variety of choices regarding how to prepare your family. The right pram or stroller is one of the most crucial considerations.
Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two bassinets or chairs placed side by side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is more upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models let you choose whether your children look at each other or face each other. Many tandems can be converted to one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money, but not compromise on safety or function. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it could be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, especially when you're going up or down kerbs, and it is usually less stable than a twin pram especially if the child who is older is sitting in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a great option for a single parent who wants an attractive style. However, the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It features an innovative frame that expands in width to allow the addition of the second seat, and it can be used with a variety of 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 carrycots and car seats.
Side by side
There are many aspects to consider when choosing a double pushchair or pram. If you're buying for twins or siblings close in age there are a variety of configuration options to take into account. 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 in the middle while the older child or toddler is seated in the second seat.
Some models even have seats that can be reversible, meaning you can modify the seating to your family's requirements throughout the baby 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 as they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for outdoor excursions, such as to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles and 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 change to a single pram mode. You can also choose to make use of the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn to toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another alternative. This double side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed in a contemporary design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a side-by-side double and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a range of infant and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of different age groups and is easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight and therefore an ideal choice for families with smaller cars or a limited storage space.
Convertible
Some of the best double pushchairs or prams can be set up to meet your changing needs. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats and still have room for shopping bags. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers are generally larger and heavier than single pushchairs, as they need to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our reviewers found it to be a bit heavy for the price.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not used. The City Select's clever single-handed folding impressed our test participants, but it takes some practice. It's also very nimble and agile, despite being larger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It can be converted from a rear-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 never be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of positional asphyxia).
If you're looking to expand your options, consider a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. single to double buggy is a narrow double buggy which can accommodate 2 children side by side and can be used as a tandem with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It feels agile and responsive, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs we've reviewed, but it offers a large shopping basket which is ideal for parents with bags full of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents prefer to secure their double pushchair if they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is an excellent choice. 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 is ideal for overnight sleeping). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and love the fact that they both recline to different positions, come with built-in foot and leg supports and large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.
The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher found that it was offset by its ease to move around and how big the storage is with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. Cher also appreciated the fact that the seats are adjustable, meaning they can be positioned to face one another for siblings who wish to chat and interact together when out and out and about.
A lighter-weight but just as 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 that makes it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship and the affordable price. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as some other models we've tested, 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 and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that despite their narrower design, side by side prams are still larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They may be difficult to navigate on busy streets or in shops. However, they're generally smaller, and can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.