Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify the lives of families, particularly in busy shops or on busy streets. 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 stroller when baby is born, and later changed into a twin mode when the baby has arrived. Joolz offers a variety of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you are expecting a baby is among life's most exciting moments. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you'll be faced with a variety of choices regarding how to prepare your family for. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double prams) are a classic design with 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 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 outwards. Many tandems can be converted to a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it may 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 at the front. A tandem can also be difficult to get onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.
double pram and pushchair is a popular model with a strong image that's a great option for a single parent who is looking for something that is sleek however, the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It features a clever frame that can be expanded to allow the addition of the second seat, and can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.
Side by side
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting a double pushchair or pram. There are many configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet on the top, while the larger toddler or infant sits in the second seat below.
Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your little ones always in your sight and gives them a chance to interact with one another as they walk.
Tandem prams are usually all-terrain buggies or jogging 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 checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets, as they tend to be 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). You can then change to a single pram mode when your little one is old enough to leave the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a travel system for infant to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double pram side-by-side is available in a variety of colours and has a beautiful modern style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that is able to be converted into a double side-by-side. It is available in a variety of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings of different age ranges. It's also easy to collapse. It's also quite light and therefore an ideal choice for families with smaller cars or a limited storage space.
Convertible
Some of the top double prams or pushchairs can be configured into different seats to meet your needs as they change. It is possible to fit two toddlers in a seat or even a third one on the seat board and have space for a shopping basket, and the option to add accessories like rain covers is another plus. Typically, convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they must be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is extremely user-friendly, but our testers thought it was a little heavy for the money.
Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not in use and makes it smaller. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's unique one-handed fold. However, it does take some time to master. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. double pram and pushchair 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 look into a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can hold two children side-by-side and can be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It is nimble and responsive, and our test users loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs we've reviewed, but it offers a large shopping basket which is great for parents who carry bags of toys and food.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who already have one child and are expecting to have another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double by the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is great to sleep at night). The seats are very comfortable and our test subjects love that they can recline in a variety of positions. They also appreciate the fact that the canopy has an open window that can be seen from afar and has UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be raised to provide a standing platform for the child to get off and on, to allow them to reach items in the basket of groceries.
The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher felt it was balanced by the ease to maneuver and how large the storage is equipped with two hanging parent and child cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and an enormous underseat basket. Cher also appreciated the seat's design, which is convertible, which means they can be placed to face each other for siblings who want to talk and interact when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a smaller model and still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is compact, and has self-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship and the affordable price. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as far as other models we've examined and the back seat isn't as 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. While they're smaller than side-by-side strollers, they can be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. They are also shorter which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.