Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A good double pram or pushchair can simplify family life, especially on busy footpaths or in shops and stores. Look for a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some first-time parents opt for an infant pushchair that can be used as a single pram once baby is born, and later changed into a twin mode once he or she is born. Joolz offers a variety of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you’re expecting a baby is one of the most compact double stroller exciting events in your life. But, once the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets in, you may be faced with a myriad of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or ones. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred Ready to Grow double stroller as “in-line” double prams, are a classic design that has two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat is typically cushioned and reclines to a flat angle, making it suitable for infants while the second one is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years old. Some models let you decide if your children will look at each other or face each other. 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 less expensive than twin prams and can be an ideal choice for parents who wish to save money, but without losing safety or function. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it could be heavy and long to steer, particularly when moving up and down kerbs, and it is generally less stable than a twin pram especially if the child with the most compact double stroller weight is seated at the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is a great option for parents with one child who want an elegant design. However the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy to push. It features an innovative 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 a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that’s simple to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes time to choose a double pram or pushchair, there’s a lot to consider. Whether you’re buying for twins or siblings who are close in age, there are a number of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams, referred to as side-by-side prams are popular options because they can be configured so that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet on top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second seat.
Some models have reversible seating which allow you to alter the layout of your family during the infant and toddler years. This will allow you to keep your children always in your sight and also gives them a chance to get to know one another as they walk.
Tandem prams are typically jogging buggies or all-terrain ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They’re also ideal for narrow aisles and checkouts in shops and supermarkets as they are smaller.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). It is then possible to switch to the single pram mode once your baby grows out of the rumble seat, or use the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for newborn to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double pram stroller pram side-by-side is available in a range of colours and has an elegant modern design. It is designed to be used from the moment of birth, you can include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that is able to be converted into a double buggy from birth side-by-side. It’s available in a range of infant and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It’s also relatively lightweight, which makes it an ideal choice for families with smaller cars or a limited storage space.
Convertible
Some of the best double prams or pushchairs are configured into different seats to accommodate your changing needs. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in a seat or a third child on the seat board, and still have space for a shopping basket and the option to add accessories such as rain covers is a benefit. Convertible double strollers tend to be larger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our test participants considered it to be a bit heavy for its price.
Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not used. The City Select’s innovative, one-handed folding impressed our testers, but it takes some time to master. It’s also very responsive and nimble even despite its size.
Another option that is affordable is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat can be transformed from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode makes it a great option for infants.
To be more flexible, opt for a convertible that has dual modes like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can fit 2 children side by side and can be used as a tandem with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It is responsive and nimble and our testers loved its sleek design. It’s not as light as the other pushchairs on our list, but it offers an ample shopping basket that is great for parents who carry bags full of toys and food.
Lightweight
Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair with the addition of either an infant seat or the brand’s carrycot (which is suitable for sleep overs). Our testers were pleased with how comfortable the seats are and love the fact that both recline to different positions, come with built-in foot and leg supports and have UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.
The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher believed that it was overcome by the ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage is equipped with two hanging child and parent cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat basket. Cher also appreciated that seats can be flipped so that they can face each other. This is great for siblings who want to talk and interact when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option, but still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact twin stroller, and has an auto-standing fold, making it easy to transport or store in your trunk. Parents love the quality of materials and workmanship, and the cost. The only drawbacks are that the seats do not recline as much as other models we’ve tested and the rear seat isn’t as well-lit due to its position and height. It is higher than the seat in front.
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. Although they are smaller side-by-side prams may be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. They are also smaller, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.