Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in bustling shops or on busy streets. Find a model that has ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are first-time parents choose an infant pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when baby is born. It can be transformed into a twin-mode when the baby has arrived. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The news that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in your life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will be faced with a variety of decisions regarding how to prepare your family. The best stroller or pram is one of the most important things to consider.
Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double prams) are a classic style with two seats or pram bassinets arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Some models have the option of reversible seating, which lets you choose to have your children face one another or look at you. A lot of tandems offer the option of being converted into a single pushchair in the event that you decide that your oldest child does not require the second seat.
A tandem is cheaper than twin prams and is an ideal choice for parents looking to save money, without losing safety or function. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when bumping over curbs. It's also less stable than
twin stroller side by side prams especially when a bigger child is riding in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is an excellent choice for a single parent who wants a sleeker design. However the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long to push. It comes with an expanded frame that increases in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of buggy seats, car seats and carrycots (two at one time or in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes to choosing a double pushchair or pram, there's a lot to consider. If you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age, there are a number of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams are popular choices due to the fact that they can be set up in a way that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet in the middle while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.
Some models come with reversible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to keep your little ones in sight at all times and also gives them the an opportunity to interact with each other as they stroll.
Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also a good choice if you need to brave narrow supermarket isles or checkouts as they're generally smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example, can be used in tandem mode right from birth with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) It is then possible to switch to the single mode once your child gets used to the rumble seat, or use the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for newborn to toddler.
The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another option. This double pram side-by-side is available in a variety of colors and comes with an attractive modern style. It is designed to be used from the moment of birth, you can choose to add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe.
The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side-byside. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight, which makes it an ideal option for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.
Convertible
Some of the top double prams or pushchairs can be made into various seats to meet your changing needs. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in the seats or a third rider on the seat board and have space for a shopping basket, and the capability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is another benefit. Typically, convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible that is extremely user-friendly, but our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for the money.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This allows the
Double Pushchairs for twins stroller to be compacted and reduce in size when not used. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our testers, but it takes some practice. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. It can be converted from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet-style mode is a great option for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should never sleep in strollers because of the danger of asphyxia from position).
To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can fit 2 children side by side, but it can also be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It is agile and responsive, and our test users liked its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs on our list, but it offers an ample shopping basket that is handy for parents carrying bags full of toys and food.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have one child and are expecting another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair to
double car seat stroller with the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can recline in multiple positions. They also like the fact that the canopy has an open window that can be seen from afar and has UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be raised to provide a standing platform for the child to climb on and off, so that they can access items in the basket of groceries.
Cher said that the one disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed that this was compensated for because it is easy to move and has plenty of storage and cup holders for parents and children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also loved that the seats can be reversed so that they face each other. This is great for siblings who like to chat and have conversations while out and about.
A lighter-weight but just as impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and has an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of materials and workmanship, and the affordable cost.