Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram or pushchair can simplify family life, especially when walking on busy roads or in stores and shops. Look for a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are first-time parents choose a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when bub is born and then converted into a twin mode after the baby has arrived. Joolz provides a variety of these options.
Tandem
The news that you're about to have the birth of a child is one of the most exciting times in your life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation sets in, you will be faced with many options for how to prepare your family for. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams are a classic design that has two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Certain models let you decide if your children will look at each other or face each other. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once 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 a great choice for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or functionality. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when bumping over kerbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is riding in the front. double tandem pushchair can also be tricky to get onto public transport and is difficult to navigate on narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a single parent who wants something streamlined however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite long and heavy when pushing. It comes with an innovative frame that can be expanded to allow the addition of the second seat, and can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy seats 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 to selecting a double pram or pushchair there's plenty 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 known as side by side prams) are a popular choice since they can be set up to accommodate infants in a bassinet on the top, while the older infant or toddler sits in the lower seat below.
Certain models come with reversible seats that let you customize the layout of your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you keep your kids in sight at all times and also gives them the an opportunity to interact with each other as they stroll.
Tandem prams are typically all-terrain buggies or jogging ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets because they are smaller.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be used in tandem mode from birth, with the addition of a Rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can change to a single pram mode when your little one is old enough to leave the rumble seat or choose the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system from infant to toddler.
The Side by Side Pram by Babybee is a different option. This double side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed in a contemporary style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can also add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're looking for a sleek and elegant pushchair that can convert into a double-sided side-by-side, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a range of infant seat and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of different age groups. It's also easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight making it an ideal choice for families with small cars or limited storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs are versatile and some are capable of changing seating arrangements to meet the changing needs of your family. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats with enough space for shopping bags. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs because they have to hold 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 thought it was a bit heavy for its price.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for babies. 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 subjects, but it takes some practice. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. The seat can be converted from a child-facing car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great choice for infants.
For more flexibility, look for a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy which can accommodate 2 children side by side and can be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It's fluid and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight like some of the other models we've reviewed, but it has a large basket that's ideal for parents who are carrying bags filled with toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who already have a child and expect the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair a double with the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal for overnight sleeping). The seats are very comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can be reclined in a variety of positions. They also appreciate the fact that the canopy has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised to provide a standing platform for a child to get on and off, to allow them to reach items in the shopping basket.
Cher said that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt this was offset by the fact that it is easy to maneuver and comes with plenty of storage space and cup holders for parents and children seats-back pockets, as well as an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also liked that seats can be flipped so that they can be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who want to interact and talk while out and out and about.
A lighter, but equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact and features an auto-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 as well as the affordable price. The only negatives are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we've tried and the rear seat is not as visible because of its position and height. It is higher than the seat in front.
Another popular choice 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's important to keep in mind that despite their narrower design side by side prams are wider than tandem and in-line doubles and can be difficult to navigate through busy footpaths or in stores. However, they're generally shorter, which means they are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.