Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify the lives of families, especially on busy streets or in stores and shops. Look for a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some first-time parents opt for a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once bub is born and then transformed into a twin-mode after the baby is old enough. Joolz has a variety of choices.
Tandem
The news that you're about to have a baby is one of the most exciting moments in life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation sets in, you will have to make a number of options for how you can prepare your family. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for babies. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Some models let you choose whether your children look at each other or face each other. A lot of tandems offer the option of converting into a single pushchair if you decide that your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.
A tandem is less expensive than a twin pram and is an excellent choice for parents who want to save money without losing safety or function. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it could be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, particularly when bumping up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is usually less stable than a twin pram, especially if the child with the most weight is sitting in the front. A tandem can be difficult to transport on public transport and is difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a fantastic choice for a single parent who wants an attractive appearance. However the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It comes with frames that can be expanded in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a range 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'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. If you're buying for twins or siblings who are close in age there are a variety 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 can be seated in the bassinet at the top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.
Some models come with convertible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to meet the needs of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to keep your children always in your sight and also gives them a an opportunity to interact with one another as they walk.
Tandem prams are usually all-terrain buggies or jogging ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They are also great for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets, as they are more compact.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example can be used in tandem mode right from birth with the addition of the Rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can switch to the single pram 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 from infant to toddler.
The Side by Side Pram by Babybee is a different alternative. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed with a modern style. Designed to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe.
If you're looking for a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a double-sided side-by-side then the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of carrycot and infant seat combinations to cater for twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It is also relatively light and therefore a good choice for those who have little space in their cars or don't have enough space for storage.
Convertible
Some of the best double prams or pushchairs can be configured into different seats to meet your changing needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in seats or a third child on the seat board and have enough space for a basket to store your shopping, and the capability to add accessories like rain covers is a advantage. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and larger than single pushchairs because they need to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible which is very easy to use, although our test subjects felt it was a little heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it smaller. The City Select's innovative, one-handed folding impressed our testers but it does require some time to master. It's also very agile and responsive in spite of its size.
Another option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great choice for infants.
If you're looking for more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can hold two children side-by-side and can be used as a tandem with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. twin buggy from birth is responsive and nimble 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 an enormous shopping basket that is great for parents who carry bags of groceries and toys.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who have children and anticipate another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double by the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is great for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our test subjects love that they can be reclined in a variety of 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 be raised high to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.
The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher found that it was balanced by the ease to maneuver and how large the storage area is equipped with two hanging child and parent cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as a large underseat storage basket. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be turned to face each other, which is great for siblings who want to interact and talk when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is lightweight, and has self-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, and the low cost. 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 visible due to its location and height. It is higher than the seat in front.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek, and easy to steer and comes with an unbeatable lifetime warranty. Although they are smaller, side-by-side prams can still be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. However, they are often shorter, which means they can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.