Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy footpaths or in the shops and stores. Pick a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the world choose a future-proof pushchair that can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and then transformed into a twin-mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a variety of these options.
Tandem
The news that you're expecting to have a baby is among the most exciting moments in your life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation sets in, you will have to make a number of choices regarding how to prepare your family. One of the most important considerations is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.
single to double pushchair (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a timeless design that have two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat is usually covered in padding and reclines to a flat position making it suitable for newborns while the second one is more upright and can accommodate toddlers from around three years older. Some models come with seats that can be reversible, so you can choose to have your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems also have the option to convert into a single pushchair when you decide your oldest child does not require 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 convenience. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over the kerbs. It is also less stable than twin prams especially when a bigger child is riding in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to get onto public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a singleton parent who wants something streamlined however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite heavy and long when pushing. It's got a frame that expands in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of buggy seats, car seats and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a range of carrycots or car seats.
Side by side
When it comes time to choose a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to consider. If you're buying a double pram for twins or siblings who are close in age there are plenty of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams, are a popular choices due to the fact that they can be set up in a way that the infant can sit in the bassinet in the middle while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.
Some models have reversible seats that let you customize the seating arrangement for your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you see your children at all times and gives them the chance to connect with them as they walk.
Tandem prams are often jogging buggies or all-terrain ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also a good option when you have to traverse narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts as they're generally smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram starting from birth in dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child gets bored of the rumble seat, you can change to a single pram mode. You can also choose to use the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The double side-by-side pram is available in a variety of colors and is designed in a contemporary style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your little ones are secure and comfortable.
If you're seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-by-side double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also fairly light and therefore an ideal option for those with small cars or limited storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways, and some are even capable of changing seating arrangements to meet your changing family needs. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats and still have enough space for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers are generally larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they need to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is extremely user-friendly, however our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for the price.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles 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 in use and makes it more compact. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's clever one-handed fold, though it does take some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. It can be transformed from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great option for infants.
To be more flexible, opt for a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that can accommodate two children in a tandem. It can also be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It is responsive and nimble, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed however it does come with an ample shopping basket that is handy for parents carrying bags of toys and food.
Lightweight
Some parents prefer to secure their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double with the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal for sleeping at night). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and adore the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions, feature built-in foot and leg supports and large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised high 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. However, she believed that this was compensated for because it is easy to maneuver and has plenty of storage, including two cup holders for parents and their children seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket underneath the seat. She also appreciated the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be positioned to face one another for siblings who wish to talk and interact when out and about.
A lighter, but equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and features an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the price is low. The only drawbacks are that the seats don't recline as well as other models we have tested and the rear seat is not as visible due to its location as it is higher than the first seat.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It's slim, sleek, easy to steer and comes with an unbeatable lifetime warranty. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their slimmer design Side by side prams are still wider than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be tricky to navigate on busy streets or in shops. They're also shorter, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.