Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A good double pram or pushchair can simplify family life, especially on busy streets or in the shops and stores. Choose tandem double stroller that has ample storage space for nappies as well as snacks and other necessities.
Some first-time parents opt for a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram when baby is born, and later converted into a twin mode after the baby is old enough. Joolz provides a variety of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting the birth of a child is one of the most exciting events in your life. After single to double buggy wears off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you'll be faced with many options for how to prepare your family for. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a classic design that feature two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Some models allow you to decide if your children will look at each other or outwards. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer required to have the second seat.
In terms of cost the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair and is a great option for parents looking to save money without compromising on safety or functionality. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it can be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer especially when bumping up or down kerbs. It is usually less stable than a twin pram, particularly if the older child is seated in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to navigate narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a great alternative for parents with one child who want an attractive style. However the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long to push. It's got frames that can be expanded in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a range of combinations of car seats, buggy seats, and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes to selecting a double pram or pushchair, there's a lot to think about. If you're buying a double pram for twins or siblings who are close in age there are plenty of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are popular choices as they can be set up to accommodate infants in a bassinet at the top while the older infant or toddler sits in the lower seat below.
Some models have reversible seats that let you customize the layout of your family during the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your children always in your sights and gives them a an opportunity to interact with one another as they walk.
Tandem prams are often all-terrain buggies or jogging ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also a good choice for those who have to navigate narrow supermarket isles or checkouts because they tend to be more compact than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for instance, can be used in tandem mode from birth 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 choose the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system from infant to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double pram side-by-side is available in a range of colors and features an attractive modern style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a side-byside double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a range of infant seat and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It's also easy to fold. It's also light and therefore a good choice for those who have small cars or limited space for storage.
Convertible
Some of the best double prams or pushchairs can be configured into different seats to accommodate your changing needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats, with room for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs as they are required to be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is user-friendly, however our testers thought it was a bit heavy for the price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for newborns. single to double buggy helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not being used and makes it more compact. The City Select's innovative single-handed folding impressed our testers, but it takes some time to master. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.
Another affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet option is a fantastic option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under four months old shouldn't use strollers to sleep due to the danger of asphyxia from position).
If you're looking to expand your options look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that is able to accommodate two children in a tandem. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It is nimble and responsive, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as some of the other models we've reviewed, however it does come with a huge basket that is useful for parents carrying bags filled with toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a great option. 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 sleep overs). Our test subjects were impressed by how comfortable the seats are and adore the fact that they both recline to different positions, have built-in foot and leg supports and have UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised to provide a standing platform for the older child to climb on and off, so they can reach things in the basket of groceries.
The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher found that it was overcome by the ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage is equipped with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. Cher also loved that the seats can be reversed so that they face each other. This is perfect for siblings who want to talk and interact when out and about.
A lighter and equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact and has a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, as well as the cost. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as much as the other models we've examined, and the rear seat isn't very well-lit due to its position as it's higher than the front seats.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It's slim, sleek, easy to steer and has a lifetime guarantee. Although they are smaller side-by-side prams may be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. However, they're usually shorter too, so can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.