Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify life for families, especially in busy stores or on busy streets. Find a model that has ample storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the world choose a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and transformed into a twin-mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of choices.
Tandem
The news that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will be faced with many decisions regarding how you can prepare your family. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the best pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams, are a classic style with two bassinets or seats placed side by side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models allow you to select whether your children stare at each other or outwards. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and is an excellent choice for parents looking to save money, but without having to sacrifice safety or functional. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating the kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is seated in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good option for a single parent who is looking for something that is sleek however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite heavy and long when pushing. It comes with an innovative frame that expands widthways to accommodate the second seat, and is compatible with many combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes to selecting a double pram or pushchair, there's a lot to consider. There are many configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams are popular choices due to the fact that they can be set up so that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet on top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.
Some models even feature seats that can be reversible, meaning you can adapt the configuration to your family's requirements throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and gives them the chance to interact when they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also a good choice when you have to traverse narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets because they are generally smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram starting from birth in the dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child gets bored of the rumble chair you can change to one pram mode. You can also choose to make use of the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is a different alternative. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and comes with an attractive modern style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be transformed into a double side by side. It's available in a range of infant seat and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also fairly light, making it a good choice for those who have smaller vehicles or have limited space to store.
Convertible
Some of the best double pushchairs or prams can be made into various seats to meet your changing 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 such as rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs as they are required to be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible that is extremely user-friendly, but our testers thought it was a bit heavy for its price.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for babies. This reduces the size of the double stroller when not in use and makes it more compact. The City Select's innovative single-handed folding impressed our test subjects however it requires some practice. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. It can be converted from a parent-facing infant car 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 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 convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can hold 2 children side by side, but it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It feels nimble and responsive, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs in our list however, it comes with a large shopping basket which is ideal for parents with bags full of toys and food.
Lightweight
Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy if 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 a toddler seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can recline in multiple positions. They also like the feature that the canopy comes with an open window that can be seen from afar and has UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised so that the older child can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.
Cher said that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt this was offset because it is easy to maneuver and offers plenty of storage space, including two cup holders for parents and their children as well as seat-back pockets and a large basket under the seat. She also liked the feature that the seats are reversible, so they can be placed to face one another for siblings who wish to chat and interact together when out and about.
A lighter and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and features an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship and the affordable price. The only drawbacks are that the seats don't recline as much as other models we have tested and the rear seat isn't as well-lit because of its position as it is higher than the seat in front.
Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller side-by-side prams may be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. They are also smaller, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.