Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify the lives of families, especially on busy footpaths or in shops and stores. Look for a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and later transformed into a twin-mode once he or she has arrived. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you are expecting a child is one of the most exciting events in life. However, after the excitement fades and the reality sets in, you could be faced with a variety of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams are a classic design with two seats or bassinets placed side by side. The front seat is usually cushioned and reclines to a flat position, making it suitable for babies, while the second seat is more upright and can accommodate toddlers from around three years old. twin buggy from birth let you decide if your children will look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
A tandem is more affordable than twin prams and can be an ideal choice for parents who want to save money, without having to sacrifice safety or functional. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when bumping over curbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs especially when a bigger child is riding in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transportation, 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 looking for a sleeker design however the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long when pushing. It comes with a clever frame that expands widthways to accommodate the second seat, and can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes to selecting a double pushchair or pram there's a lot to consider. If you're buying for twins or siblings close in age there are plenty of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams are popular options because they can be set up so that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet at the top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second chair.
Certain models come with reversible seats that let you customize the seating arrangement for your family during the baby and toddler years. This will allow you to keep your little ones always in your sight and gives them a chance to get to know one another as they walk.
Tandem prams are typically jogging or all-terrain buggies that is why they're great for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops as they are smaller.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example, can be used in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can switch to the single pram mode once your baby grows out of the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system from newborn to toddler.
Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and features an attractive modern style. Designed to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your baby is secure and comfortable.
The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-byside. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of different ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also quite light making it an ideal option for those with small cars or limited storage space.
Convertible
The best double pushchairs or prams can be configured into different seats to meet your needs as they change. You can fit two toddlers in seats or even a third one on the seat board, and still have enough space for a basket to store your shopping, and the capability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is a plus. In general, convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs as they are required to be capable of holding 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 found it to be a bit heavy for the money.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when 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 extremely responsive and nimble in spite of its size.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It can be transformed from a parent facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature makes it a great option for infants.
If you want more flexibility Consider a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy which can accommodate two children in a row, but it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It is responsive and nimble and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight like some of the other models we've reviewed, but it has a large basket that is useful for parents who have to carry bags filled with toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have one child and are expecting the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair by the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). The seats are very comfortable and our test subjects love that they can recline in a variety of positions. They also like the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be lifted high to offer a standing platform for the older child to climb on and off, so that they can reach things in the basket of groceries.
The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher felt this was overcome by how easy it is to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage space is equipped with two hanging parent and child cup holders, seat-back pockets and an enormous underseat basket. Cher also appreciated the fact that the seats are adjustable, meaning they can be placed to face each other for siblings who want to talk and interact when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a smaller model and still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is lightweight and features a self standing fold, making it simple to transport or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the low cost. The only drawbacks are that the seats don't recline as much compared to other models we've tried and the rear seat is not as prominent because of its position as it is higher than the first seat.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. Although they are smaller side-by-side prams may be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they're generally shorter too, so are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.