Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A good double pram or pushchair will simplify the lives of families, especially on busy streets or in stores and shops. Find a model that has generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once baby is born, and later converted into a twin mode after the baby has arrived. Joolz provides a variety of these options.
Tandem
The news that you're expecting to have a baby is among the most exciting moments in life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you'll be faced with a variety of options for how to prepare your family for. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams, are a classic style with two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat is typically padded and reclines to a flat position making it suitable for newborns and the second seat is more upright and can be used by toddlers from around three years older. Certain models let you select whether your children stare at each other or face each other. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
In terms of cost the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent 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 bumping over curbs. It's also less stable than twin prams particularly if a larger child is seated in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transportation, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a single parent looking for a sleeker design, but the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It features an innovative frame that expands in width to allow the addition of the second seat, and it can be used with multiple combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a range of car seats or carrycots.
Side by side
There are many aspects to consider when choosing a double pram or pushchair. Whether you're buying for twins or siblings who are close in age, there are a number of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice since they can be set up to fit infants in a bassinet at the top, while the older infant or toddler sits in the lower seat below.
Some models even have seats that can be reversible, meaning you can alter the seating arrangement to your family's requirements throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to keep your kids in sight at all times and also gives them a chance to interact with each other as they stroll.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are great for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They're also a good choice if you need to brave narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts, as they're generally more compact than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example, can be used in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of a Rumble seat. (PS249) You can then switch to the single mode once your child is old enough to leave the rumble seat, or use the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to turn it into a travel system for infant to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a contemporary style. It is designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your children are comfortable and safe.
If you're seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double-sided side-by-side then the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It is available in a variety of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also fairly light and therefore a great choice for those with small cars or limited storage space.
Convertible
Some of the top double pushchairs or prams can be made into various 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 more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs because they are required to be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible which is very user-friendly, however our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for the price.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold, though it requires a bit of practice. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.
Another option that is affordable is an option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat can be transformed from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great choice for infants.
If you want more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can hold two children in a row, but it can also be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It is responsive and nimble and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light like some of the other models on our list but it has a large basket that is useful for parents carrying bags of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who have children and anticipate to have another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double by the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well for overnight sleeping). Our testers were pleased with how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that can recline in a variety of positions, have built-in leg and foot support and have UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised high so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.
The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher believed that it was offset by the ease to move around and how big the storage space is equipped with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. Cher also liked that the seats can be reversed so that they can be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who like to chat and have conversations when they are out and out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a smaller model and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact, and has 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 downsides are that the seats do not recline as well as other models we have tested and the rear seat isn't as visible due to its position and height. It is higher than the front seat.
Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their smaller size Side by side prams are still wider than tandem and in-line doubles. pushchair twin can be tricky to navigate on busy streets or in shops. However, they are often smaller, and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.