Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify the lives of families, particularly in bustling shops or on busy streets. Choose a model that has ample storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other necessities.
Some first-time parents opt for an infant pushchair that can be used as a single pram once bub is born and then transformed into a twin buggy-mode after the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of options.
Tandem
The news that you’re expecting to have a baby is among the most exciting times in life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you’ll be faced with many choices regarding how to prepare your family. The best stroller or pram is among the most crucial considerations.
Tandem prams (also called ‘in-line’ double prams) are a classic style with two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is a bit higher and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Certain models feature the option of reversible seating, which lets you choose to have your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems also have the option of being converted into a single pushchair if you decide that your oldest child no longer needs the second seat.
In terms of price, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when bumping over kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs especially when a bigger child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that’s a great option for a single parent who is looking for something that is sleek however the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It’s got an expanded frame that increases in size to accommodate a second seat. It can be used with a variety of buggy seats, car seats, and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that’s easy-to-use and compatible with a variety of carrycots or car seats.
Side by side
There are many things to think about when selecting a double pram or pushchair. There are numerous configuration options to choose from, whether you’re purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are popular choices as they can be arranged to accommodate infants with a bassinet on the top while the older toddler or infant sits in the second seat below.
Some models have reversible seats that let you customize the layout of your family members throughout the infant and toddler years. This lets you keep your little ones always in your sight and gives them a chance to interact with each other while they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are great for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They’re also a good choice for those who have to navigate narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts as they are generally smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child gets bored of the rumble chair you can change to the single pram mode. You may also opt to make use of the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
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 with a modern design. Designed to be used right from the moment of birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you’re seeking a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a side-byside double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It comes in a range of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It’s also incredibly easy to fold. It’s also light, making it a good option for people with small cars or limited space for storage.
Convertible
The top double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways, and some are even able to change into different seating arrangements to meet your changing family needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats while still having enough space for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs as they have to be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an inexpensive convertible that is very easy to use. However, our test participants thought it was somewhat heavy for its price.
Some convertible double umbrella stroller strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it more compact double buggy. The City Select’s innovative, one-handed folding impressed our testers but it does require some time to master. It’s also extremely responsive and nimble even despite its size.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. The seat converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet option is a great option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under four months old shouldn’t be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of positional asphyxia).
To be more flexible, opt for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children in a tandem double buggy. It can also be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It is responsive and nimble and our testers loved its sleek design. It’s not as light as some of the other models we’ve reviewed, however it does come with a huge basket that’s ideal for parents carrying bags filled with toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy if they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a Single to double pushchair pushchair double by the addition of a toddler’s seat, or the brand’s carrycot (which works well for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our test subjects love the fact that they can recline in multiple positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.
The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher believed that it was balanced by how easy it is to move around and how big the storage space is with two hanging parent and child cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as a large underseat basket. Cher also appreciated the seat’s design, which is convertible, which means they can be placed to face each other for siblings who want to talk and get together while out and out and about.
A lighter and equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and features a self-standing fold, making it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the price is low. The only drawbacks are that the seats don’t recline as well as other models we’ve tested and the rear seat is not as well-lit due to its position and height. It is higher than the first seat.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek, easy to steer and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower, side-by-side prams can still be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. They are also smaller and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.