Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify the lives of families, particularly in busy stores or on busy streets. Find a model that has ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the world choose a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and transformed into a twin-mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a child is one of life's most exciting moments. However, once the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets into your life, you'll be faced with a multitude of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for babies. The second seat is a bit higher and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models have seats that can be reversible, so you can choose whether your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
In terms of cost, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or function. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when you're tripping over curbs. It's also less stable than twin prams, especially if an older child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good option for a single parent who is looking for something that is sleek however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite large and heavy when pushing. It's got frames that can be expanded in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a range of combinations of buggy seats, car seats and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a range of car seats or carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram there's plenty to consider. There are a variety of configuration options to choose from, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, referred to as side-by-side prams are popular choices because they can be set up so that the infant can sit in the bassinet on top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second seat.
Certain models come with reversible seats that let you customize the configuration for your family during the toddler and baby years. This allows you to keep your children always in your sight and also gives them a chance to get to know one another as they walk.
Tandem prams are typically jogging or all-terrain buggies which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops because they are less bulky.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example, can be used in tandem mode from birth, with the addition of the rumble seat. (PS249) If your child gets bored of the rumble chair you can change to one pram mode. You may also opt to use the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another alternative. This double pram side-by-side is available in a variety of colors and comes with an elegant modern design. The design is intended to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable.
The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side by side. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat combinations to cater for twins or siblings of various age groups. It's also easy to fold. It's also fairly light and therefore an ideal choice for families who have small cars or only a little storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs are versatile, and some are even capable of changing seating configurations to meet your changing family needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats, and still have enough space 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 test participants considered it to be a bit heavy for the money.
Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not being used. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our testers however it requires some practice. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It can be transformed from a child-facing car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great choice for infants.
To be more flexible, opt for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that is able to accommodate two children in a tandem. It can also be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It's nimble and responsive and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other models we've reviewed, however it does come with a huge basket that's ideal for parents who have to carry bags full of toys and other items.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who already have a child and expect another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is great for sleeping at night). Our test subjects were impressed by how comfortable the seats are and adore the fact that both recline to multiple positions, come with built-in leg and foot supports and large UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised to provide an elevated platform for the child to get off and on so that they can reach things in the shopping basket.
double pram and pushchair said that the one negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset because it is easy to maneuver and has plenty of storage and cup holders for parents and their children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket under the seat. She also liked the fact that the seats are adjustable, meaning they can be positioned to face each other for siblings that want to talk and get together when out and about.
A lighter and 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 that makes it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the affordable price. The only drawbacks are that the seats do not recline as well as other models we have tested and the rear seat isn't as prominent due to its position and height. It is higher than the seat in front.
Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their slimmer 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 shorter too, so are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.