Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A good double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy streets or in shops and stores. Look for a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are first-time parents choose an infant pushchair that can be used as a single pram once bub is born and then transformed into a twin-mode once he or she is old enough. Joolz provides a variety of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting the birth of a child is one of the most exciting times in life. But, once the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets in, you could be faced with a multitude of decisions regarding 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 correct pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams, are a classic style with two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as three years. 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 have the option of converting into a single pushchair when you decide that your child's oldest doesn't require the second seat.
In terms of price, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be a great choice for parents who want to save money but not compromising on safety or function. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when bumping over kerbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to transport on public transport and is difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a singleton parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long when pushing. It comes with a clever frame that can be expanded to allow the addition of the second seat, and it is compatible with many combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a variety of car seats or carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes to choosing a double pram or pushchair, there's a lot to think about. There are a variety of configuration options to choose from, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are popular options because they can be set up so that the infant can sit in the bassinet at the top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.
Some models even feature convertible seats, which means you can modify the seating to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you keep your children always in your sight and also gives them the an opportunity to interact with one another as they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are great for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops as they are less bulky.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example, can be used 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 chair you can change to one pram mode. You can also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to transform it from a newborn to toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is a different option. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed with a contemporary design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-by-side. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age ranges. It's also incredibly easy to fold. It's also quite light, which makes it an ideal choice for families with smaller cars or a limited storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways and some are capable of changing seating configurations to meet your changing family needs. best travel double stroller can accommodate up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats while still having enough space to carry shopping bags. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Typically, convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible that is easy to use, although our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for the money.
sit n stand double stroller , such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. The City Select's innovative single-handed folding impressed our test subjects but it does require some time to master. It's also extremely fluid and agile, despite its size.
single to double buggy that is reasonably priced is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet option is a great option for infants (although be aware that babies younger than four months old shouldn't use strollers to sleep due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).
For greater flexibility, opt for a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can hold two children in a row however it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It feels agile and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as the other models we've reviewed, but it comes with a big basket that's great for parents who are carrying bags full of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents prefer to secure their double pushchair if they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair with the addition of either a toddler seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and loved the fact that they both recline to multiple positions, feature built-in foot and leg supports and generous UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised high to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.
Cher stated that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset because it is easy to move and has plenty of storage with two cup holders for parents and children as well as seat-back pockets and a large basket under the seat. Cher also liked that the seats can be turned so that they can be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who love 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 just 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 the materials and workmanship as well as the affordable price. The only downsides are that the seats don't recline as much as other models we have tested and the rear seat isn't as prominent due to its location - it is raised higher than the seat in front.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller side-by-side prams may be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They're also shorter, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.