Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A good double pram or pushchair can simplify family life, especially when walking on busy roads or in the shops and stores. Choose a model that has ample storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other necessities.
Some parents who are new to the world choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used both as a single stroller when baby is born, and then converted to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz has a variety of options.
Tandem
The announcement that you are expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting experiences. However, after the excitement of the beginning fades and reality sinks in, you could be faced with a myriad of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double 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 upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. double pram pushchair let you select whether your children stare at each other or look outwards. Many tandems have the option of converting into a single pushchair when you decide your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.
In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money, but not compromise on safety or functionality. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating curbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is in the front. A tandem can also be difficult 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 large and heavy when pushing. It features a clever frame that can be expanded to allow for the addition of the second seat, and it can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at once 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 a lot to think about. There are many configuration options available, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet on top while the older toddler or infant sits in the second seat below.
Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family during the infant and toddler years. This will allow you to keep your children in sight at all times and also gives them a chance to get to know each other as they stroll.
Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones that is why they're great for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles and checkouts in shops and supermarkets, as they are less bulky.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). You can then switch to the single mode once your baby is old enough to leave the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a traveler from infant to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed with a modern design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a double-sided side-by-side then the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It comes in a range of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different age groups. It's also easy to fold. It's also light and compact, making it a great option for those with small cars or limited space for storage.
Convertible
The best double prams or pushchairs are configured into different seats to meet your changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in a seat or a third rider on the seat board, and still have space for a shopping basket, and the ability to add accessories such as rain covers is another benefit. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs, as they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible which is very user-friendly, but our testers thought it was a little heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. The City Select's innovative, one-handed folding impressed our test subjects 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. It can be converted from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet option is a fantastic option for infants (although be aware that babies younger than four months old shouldn't sleep in strollers because of the risk of positional asphyxia).
For more flexibility, look for a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children at the same time. It can be used to create a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. It is responsive and nimble and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight like some of the other models on our list however it does come with a huge basket that's great for parents who are carrying bags full of toys and food items.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who already have a child and expect another. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair by the addition of either a toddler seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our testers noted the comfort of the seats and adore the fact that both recline to different positions, feature built-in foot and leg supports and large UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised high to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.
Cher said that the one downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset because it's easy to move and has plenty of storage, including two cup holders for parents and children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also liked that the seats can be turned to face each other. This is great for siblings who love to interact and talk when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a smaller model, but still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is small and features an auto-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the low price. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as much as the other models we've examined, and the rear seat isn't very well-lit due to its position as it's higher than the front seat.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an appealing 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 may be difficult to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they're generally shorter too, so can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.