Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram or pushchair will simplify the lives of families, especially on busy footpaths or in the shops and stores. Choose a model that has plenty of storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.
Some first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once baby is born, and later converted into a twin mode after the baby is old enough. Joolz offers a range of options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a baby is among life's most exciting moments. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation sets in, you will be faced with many decisions regarding how to prepare your family. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double prams) are a timeless design with two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat is typically covered in padding and reclines to a flat angle, 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 come with the option of reversible seating, which lets you decide if your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems can be converted to a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and can be an ideal choice for parents looking to save money, but without losing safety or function. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it could be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, particularly when bumping up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is usually less stable than a twin pushchair, especially if the child who is older is seated at the front. A tandem can also be difficult to fit onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is an excellent choice for parents who are single and want an attractive style. However the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It has a clever frame that expands in width to allow for the addition of the second seat, and is compatible with many combinations of buggy seats, carrycots 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 range of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram, there's a lot to consider. There are numerous configuration options available, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. double stroller Pushchairs And Prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice since they can be configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet on the top, while the larger infant or toddler sits in the seat below.
Some models even feature seats that can be reversible, meaning you can alter the seating arrangement to suit your family's needs throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your kids always in your sights and gives them a an opportunity to interact with each other while they walk.
Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones which makes them ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also a good option if you need to brave narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets, as they tend to be more compact than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example can be utilized in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of an rumble seat. (PS249) You can then switch to the single mode once your baby is old enough to leave the rumble seat or choose the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system from infant to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double pram side-by-side is available in a range of colors and comes with an attractive modern style. Designed to be used right from the moment of birth, you can add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (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's available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also fairly lightweight and therefore a good option for those with small cars or limited space for storage.
Convertible
Some of the top double prams or pushchairs are set up to accommodate your changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in the seats or a third child on the seat board, and still have enough space for a shopping basket, and the ability to add accessories like rain covers is also a advantage. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and larger than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our testers considered it to be quite heavy for the money.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not being used and makes it more compact. The City Select's clever, one-handed folding impressed our testers however it requires some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. The seat can be transformed from a parent facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode makes it a great option for infants.
For greater flexibility, opt for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that is able to accommodate two children at the same time. It can also be used to create a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. It is responsive and nimble, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed, but it offers an enormous shopping basket that is handy for parents carrying bags full of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is great to sleep at night). Our test subjects were impressed by how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that they both recline to different positions, have built-in foot and leg supports and have UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised to provide an elevated platform for a child to climb off and on, to allow them to access items in the basket of groceries.
The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher believed that this was balanced by how easy it is to maneuver and how large the storage is equipped with two hanging parent and child cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat storage basket. She also appreciated the fact that the seats are reversible, so they can be set to face one another for siblings who want to talk and interact when out and about.
A lighter-weight but just as impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 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 appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, as well as the price. The only downsides are that the seats don't recline as well as other models we have tested and the rear seat is not as prominent due to its position - it is raised higher than the seat in front.
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. While they're smaller, side-by-side prams can still be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they are often shorter too, so are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.