Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify life for families, especially in busy shops or on busy streets. Pick a model with ample storage space for nappies as well as snacks and other necessities.
Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once baby is born. It can be converted into a twin mode when the baby is old enough. Joolz offers a wide range of choices.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in your life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you will be faced with a variety of choices regarding how you can prepare your family. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" best double strollers prams are a classic design that has two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. 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 a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer required to have the second seat.
In terms of price, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin buggy from birth pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents looking to save money but not compromising on safety or functionality. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it can feel long and heavy to steer especially when moving up and down kerbs. It is often less stable than a twin pushchair, especially if the child with the most weight is seated in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to transport on public transport and is difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a single parent looking for a sleeker design however, the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long when pushing. It's got an expanded frame that increases in size to accommodate a 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 tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of car seats or carrycots.
Side by side
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a double pushchair or pram. There are many configuration options available, 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 in a way that the infant can be seated in the bassinet on top while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.
Certain models come with reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family members throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to keep your children always in your sight and also gives them the chance to interact with each other as they stroll.
Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also a great option when you have to traverse narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets as they tend to be smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example can be used in tandem mode right from birth, but with the addition of an Rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can switch to the single pram mode once your baby is old enough to leave the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for newborn to toddler.
The Side by Side Pram by Babybee is another option. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and features an elegant modern design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double side by side. It comes in a range of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings with different age ranges. It's also easy to collapse. It's also fairly light and therefore a good option for those with small cars or limited space to store.
Convertible
The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile, and some are even capable of changing seating configurations to meet the changing needs of your family. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, while still having enough space to carry a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. In general, convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they must be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very inexpensive convertible that is very easy to use. However, our test participants 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 include a carrycot suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not used. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's clever one-handed fold. However, it requires a bit of practice. It is also quite agile and responsive, despite its size.
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 mode is a great option for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should not use strollers to sleep due to the danger of asphyxia from position).
To be more flexible, opt for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double push chair stroller that can accommodate two children at the same time. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It's nimble and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as the other models on our list, but it has a large basket that's ideal for parents carrying bags full of toys and other items.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who have one child and are expecting to have another. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and love the fact that both recline to multiple positions, have built-in leg and foot support and generous UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised to provide an elevated platform for the older child to climb on and off, to allow them to access items in the basket of groceries.
The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher felt it was overcome by the ease to maneuver and how large the storage area is with two hanging child and parent cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat basket. Cher also appreciated the seat's design, which is convertible, which means they can be positioned to face each other for siblings that want to talk and get together when out and out and about.
A lighter, but equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs. It is 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 workmanship and the affordable price. The only negatives are that the seats do not recline as much as other models we've tried and the rear seat is not as well-lit due to its location as it is higher than the first seat.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their smaller size side by side prams are wider than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be tricky to navigate on busy footpaths or in stores. However, they are often smaller, and can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.