Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify the lives of families, particularly in busy stores or on busy streets. Look for a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used both as a single stroller when baby is born, and then transformed into a twin-mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting experiences. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will have to make a number of choices regarding how you can prepare your family. The best stroller or pram is one of the most important things to consider.
Tandem prams (also known as "in-line" double prams) are a classic design that feature two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for babies. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to fit toddlers as young as three years. Certain models let you decide if your children will look at each other or face each other. Many tandems also have the option to convert into a single pushchair in the event that you decide that your child's oldest 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 who want to save money but not compromising on safety or function. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it could be heavy and long to steer, particularly when bumping up or down kerbs, and it is generally less stable than a twin pram especially if the child who is older is sitting in the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good option for a single parent looking for a sleeker design however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite large and heavy when pushing. cheap double pushchair comes with a clever frame that expands widthways to accommodate the second seat, and is compatible with many combinations of carrycots, buggy seats and car seats (two at a time 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
There are many things to think about when selecting a double pram or pushchair. If you're buying a double pram for twins or other siblings that are similar in age, there are a number of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be arranged to accommodate infants in a bassinet at the top, while the older infant or toddler sits in the second seat below.
Some models even have seats that can be reversible, meaning you can modify the seating to meet the needs of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This will allow you to keep your children always in your sights and also gives them the chance to get to know one another as they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops as they are more compact.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram from birth in dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child gets bored of the rumble seat, you can change to one pram mode. You can also choose to make use of the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed with a modern design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're looking for a sleek and elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It is available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It's also easy to collapse. It's also relatively lightweight making it an ideal option for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.
Convertible
Some of the top double prams or pushchairs can be made into various seats to accommodate your changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in the seats or even a third one on the seat board and have space for a shopping basket and the option to add accessories such as rain covers is a benefit. Typically, convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs because they have to be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our test participants thought it was a bit heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This reduces the size of the double stroller when not being used and makes it smaller. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our test subjects however it requires some practice. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. The seat can be transformed from a child-facing car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great option for infants.
If you're looking to expand your options, consider a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that can accommodate two children side-by-side. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It's nimble and responsive and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs we've reviewed, but it offers an ample 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 already have a child and expect to have another. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair with the addition of either an infant seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our testers noted the comfort of the seats and adore the fact that they both recline to different positions, come with built-in leg and foot supports and have UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out. The rear seat can also be raised to provide a standing platform for the child to climb on and off, to allow them to access items in the shopping basket.
The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher believed that this was offset by the ease to maneuver and how large the storage area is equipped with two hanging parent and child cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as an enormous underseat basket. Cher also liked that the seats can be turned to face each other. This is great for siblings who love to interact and talk when they are out and out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs only 18 pounds, is lightweight, and has a self standing fold, making it easy to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the low price point. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as the other models we've tried and the rear seat doesn't have great visibility due to its positioning - it's raised higher than the front seat.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower side-by-side prams may be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they're generally shorter, which means they can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.