Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify the lives of families, particularly in busy shopping centers or on busy streets. Look for a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used as a single stroller once baby is born, and then transformed into a twin-mode after the baby arrives. Joolz provides a variety of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you are expecting a child is one of life's most exciting experiences. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you'll be faced with many choices regarding how you can prepare your family. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also known as "in-line" double prams) are a classic design that have two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Certain models let you choose whether your children look at each other or outwards. Many tandems can be converted to a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.
A tandem is more affordable than a twin pram and is an excellent choice for parents looking to save money, without having to sacrifice safety or functional. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it could feel long and heavy to steer, especially when you're going up or down kerbs, and it is often less stable than a twin pushchair, especially if the child with the most weight is seated at the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a fantastic choice for parents who are single and want a sleeker design. However, the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It comes with an expanded frame that increases in size to accommodate a second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of buggy seats, car seats, and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.
Side by side
There are many things to take into consideration when selecting a double pushchair or pram. If you're buying for twins or siblings close in age, there are a number of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be arranged to accommodate infants in a bassinet on top while the older infant or toddler sits in the lower seat below.
Some models come with reversible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to suit your family's needs throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you see your children at all times, and allows them to interact while they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They're also a great option when you have to traverse narrow supermarket isles or checkouts, as they are generally smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be used in tandem mode right from birth, but with the addition of an rumble seat. (PS249) You can then change to a single pram mode once your child is old enough to leave the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a traveler from newborn to toddler.
Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed in a contemporary design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your little ones are comfortable and safe.
If you're looking for a sleek and elegant pushchair that can convert into a double-sided side-by-side and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of infant seat and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups and is easy to fold. It's also quite light making it an ideal choice for families with small cars or limited storage space.
Convertible
The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile, and some are even capable of changing seat configurations to suit your family's changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in a seat or a third child on the seat board and still have room for a shopping basket, and the option to add accessories like rain covers is another plus. Most convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is extremely user-friendly, however our test subjects felt it was a little heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for babies. 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 test participants, but it takes some practice. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than double strollers.
Another option that is reasonably priced is an option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, and the bassinet mode is a great choice for infants (although be aware that babies younger than four months old shouldn't use strollers to sleep due to the risk of positional asphyxia).
To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy which can accommodate two children in a row, but it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's nimble and responsive, and our test users liked its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs on our list however, it comes with an enormous shopping basket that is ideal for parents with bags full of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have a child and expect 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 optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers love that they can be reclined in various positions. They also appreciate the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. cheap double stroller can be raised so that the older child can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.
Cher said that the one disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt this was offset because it is easy to move and offers plenty of storage space with two cup holders for parents and their children, seat-back pockets, and an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also loved that the seats can be reversed so that they can face each other, which is ideal for siblings who love to chat and have conversations while out and about.
A lighter-weight but just as impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 lbs, is super compact and features a self-standing fold, making it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship and the low price point. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as the other models we've examined and the rear seat isn't very well-lit due to its position that is higher than the front seats.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It's slim, sleek, and easy to steer, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their slimmer design Side by side prams remain more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they're usually shorter too, so can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.