Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify the lives of families, especially when walking on busy roads or in the shops and stores. 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 future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller once baby is born, and later changed to a twin mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a variety of these options.
Tandem
The news that you're about to have the birth of a child is one of the most exciting moments in life. However, after the excitement of the beginning fades and reality begins to sink 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. The proper stroller or pram is one of the most crucial considerations.
Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double prams) are a classic design that have two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat is typically cushioned and reclines to a flat position, making it suitable for infants, while the second seat is more upright and can be used by toddlers from around three years old. double buggy let you decide if your children will look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be a great choice for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or function. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over curbs. It's also less stable than twin prams, especially if an older child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it may be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a single parent who wants something streamlined however the tandem mode can make it feel large and heavy when pushing. It's got a frame that expands in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a range of combinations of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.
Side by side
When it comes to choosing a double pushchair or pram there's plenty to consider. There are a variety of configuration options to choose from, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are popular choices as they can be arranged to fit infants in a bassinet at the top while the older infant or toddler sits in the lower seat below.
Some models have reversible seating which allow you to alter the layout of your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to see your children at all times and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey as they walk.
Tandem prams are typically jogging buggies or all-terrain ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also a good option 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 as a tandem pram from birth in the dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). Then, you can switch to the single mode once your baby grows out of the rumble seat or choose the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for newborn to toddler.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is a different option. This double pram side-by-side is available in a range of colors and comes with an elegant modern design. The design is intended to be used right from the moment of birth, you can choose to add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe.
The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be transformed into a double side by side. It comes in a range of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings of different age ranges. It's also incredibly easy to fold. It's also fairly light, making it a good option for people with small cars or limited space to store.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs are versatile and some are capable of changing seating arrangements to meet your family's changing needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats, with room for shopping bags. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Typically, convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they are required to be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our testers considered it to be a bit heavy for the money.
Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's clever one-handed fold. However, it requires some practice. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. The seat can be converted from a parent-facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great option for infants.
If you're looking for more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that is able to accommodate two children in a tandem. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It is responsive and nimble and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as some of the other models on our list, but it has a large basket that's ideal for parents who are carrying bags filled with toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who have one child and are expecting another. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love the fact that they can recline in multiple positions. They also appreciate 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 to provide a standing platform for the older child to get off and on, so that they can reach items in the basket of groceries.
Cher stated that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset because it's easy to move and has plenty of storage, including two cup holders for parents and children as well as seat-back pockets and a large basket under the seat. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be turned so that they face each other. This is ideal for siblings who love to interact and talk when out and out and about.
A lighter, but equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 pounds, is extremely compact and has a self-standing fold that makes it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and workmanship and the price is low. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as much as the other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as well-lit due to its positioning as it's higher than the front seats.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. Although they are smaller than side-by-side strollers, they can be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they're usually shorter, which means they can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.