Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify the lives of families, especially in busy stores or on busy streets. Choose a model that has ample storage space for nappies snacks, nappies, and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the family opt for an infant pushchair that can be used as a single pram once bub is born and then transformed into a twin-mode when the baby has arrived. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you are expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting experiences. But, once the initial excitement wears off and reality sinks in, you may be faced with a variety of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the best pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also known as "in-line" double prams) are a classic design that have two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side-by-side. The front seat is usually padded and reclines to a flat angle, making it suitable for babies while the second one is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years of age. Certain models let you decide if your children will look at each other or face each other. Many tandems have the option of being converted into a single pushchair if you decide that your child's oldest no longer needs 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 compromising on safety or functionality. 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 pushchairs especially when a bigger child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a single parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel quite long and heavy when pushing. It comes with frames that can be expanded in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of car seats, buggy 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 variety of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram, there's a lot to think about. There are a variety of 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 options because they can be set up so that the infant can be seated in the bassinet on top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second chair.
Some models have reversible seating which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family during the toddler and baby years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey while they walk.
Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for trips outdoors, such as to the park. These are also good 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 right from birth, but with the addition of an Rumble seat. (PS249) If your child gets bored of the rumble chair you can switch to a single pram mode. You may also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double pram side-by-side is available in a range of colors and features a beautiful modern 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).
The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be transformed into a double side-by-side. It's available in a variety of infant seat and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of various age groups and is easy to fold. It's also quite light making it a great choice for those with smaller cars or a limited storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways, and some are even capable of changing seating arrangements to meet your changing family needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in seats or a third rider on the seat board, and still have space for a shopping basket, and the option to add additional accessories such as rain covers is also a advantage. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs because they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible that is extremely user-friendly, but our testers thought it was a bit 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 babies. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not in use, and makes it more compact. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's unique one-handed fold. However, it takes a bit of practice. It's also very agile and responsive in spite of its size.
Another option that is affordable is an 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 seat, and the bassinet mode is a great choice for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should not use strollers to sleep due to the danger of asphyxia from position).
If you want more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that is able to accommodate two children in a tandem. It can be used to create a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. It is fluid and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs in our list however it does come with a large shopping basket which is ideal for parents with bags of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who have children and anticipate the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair to double by the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well for sleeping at night). double stroller for twins are very comfortable and our testers appreciate the fact that they can recline in various positions. They also like the fact that the canopy has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. 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 only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt that this was compensated for because it's easy to move and comes with plenty of storage space and cup holders for parents and children seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also liked that the seats can be turned so that they can face each other, which is great for siblings who want to chat and have conversations when out and about.
A lighter and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and features a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship and the price is low. The only downsides are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as prominent due to its position as it is higher than the front seat.
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. It is important to remember that, despite their smaller size Side by side prams are still larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They may be tricky to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. They are also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.