Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify life for families, particularly in bustling shops or on busy streets. Pick a model with ample storage space for nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.
Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and then transformed into a twin-mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a range of these 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'll have to make a number of choices regarding how to prepare your family. The right pram or stroller is one of the most important considerations.
Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design 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 upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models allow you to decide if your children will look at each other or outwards. Many tandems also have the option of converting into a single pushchair in the event that you decide that your oldest child no longer needs the second seat.
A tandem is cheaper than a twin pram and is an ideal choice for parents who want to save money without compromising safety or functionality. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it could be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, particularly when moving up and down kerbs, and it is generally less stable than a twin pram especially if the child with the most weight is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it may be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a single parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel large and heavy when pushing. It has an innovative frame that expands widthways to allow for the addition of the second seat, and can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes time to choose a
double buggy newborn pram or pushchair, there's a lot to think about. There are many configuration options to choose from, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams are popular choices due to the fact that they can be configured so that the infant can be seated in the bassinet on top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.
Some models have reversible seating which allow you to alter the layout of your family during the infant and toddler years. This will allow you to keep your children always in your sight and also gives them the an opportunity to interact with each other as they stroll.
Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as
All Terrain Double stroller-terrain buggies. They are great for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops because they are smaller.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram starting from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child is no longer a member of the rumble seat, you can switch to a single pram mode. You can also opt to use the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.
Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colors and features a beautiful modern style. It is designed to be used 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, elegant pushchair that can be converted into a side-byside double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It is available in a variety of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It is also super-easy to fold. It's also quite light making it an ideal option for those 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 even able to change into different seating configurations to meet your family's changing needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, with room for shopping bags. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they are required to be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our test participants considered it to be quite heavy for the money.
Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not in use and makes it smaller. The City Select's innovative, one-handed folding impressed our test participants however it requires some practice. It also feels quite nimble and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.
Another option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat, and the bassinet mode is a fantastic option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should never use strollers to sleep due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).
If you're looking for more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can hold two children side-by-side however it can also be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's fluid and agile, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed however, it comes with an enormous shopping basket that is ideal for parents with bags of toys and groceries.
lightweight double pushchairConvertible double
strollers double are a great alternative for parents who have children and anticipate to have another. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair by the addition of an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). The seats are very comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can be reclined in multiple positions. They also love the fact that the canopy has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be elevated to provide a a standing platform for the older child to climb off and on, so that they can access items in the shopping basket.
The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher believed that it was offset by how easy it is to maneuver and how large the storage space is equipped with two hanging child and parent cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as an enormous underseat basket. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be reversed so that they be positioned to face each other, which is great for siblings who like to talk and interact when out and out and about.
A lighter and equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs, is super compact and features a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and workmanship and the affordable price. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've examined and the rear seat isn't as well-lit because of its position as it's higher than the front seats.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. Although they are smaller, side-by-side prams can still be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. They're also shorter and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.