Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify the lives of families, particularly in bustling shops or on busy streets. Choose a model that has ample storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other necessities.
Some first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once bub is born and then transformed into a twin-mode once he or she is born. Joolz offers a wide range of choices.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a child is one of life's most exciting experiences. But, once the excitement of the beginning fades and reality sinks in, you could be faced with a myriad of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or ones. The best stroller or pram is among the most important considerations.
Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a timeless design that have two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for babies. The second seat is upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Some models allow you to decide if your children will look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems also have the option of converting into a single pushchair when you decide that your oldest child no longer needs the second seat.
A tandem is more affordable than twin prams and is a great option for parents looking to save money, without losing safety or function. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over kerbs. It's also less stable than twin prams especially when a bigger child is riding in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transportation, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a singleton parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It comes with an expanded frame that increases in size to accommodate a second seat. It can be used with a variety of car seats, buggy seats, and carrycots (two at one time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes to choosing a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to think about. There are numerous configuration options to choose from, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are popular choices because they can be set up so that the infant can sit in the bassinet on top while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.
Some models have reversible seats that allow you to customize the seating arrangement for your family members throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to see your children at all times and allows them to be a part of the journey while they walk.
twin pushchairs are often jogging buggies or all-terrain ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a good option when you have to traverse narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets as they are generally smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example can be used in tandem mode right from birth, but with the addition of a Rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can change to a single pram mode once your child gets used to the rumble seat or choose the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a traveler from newborn to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed with a modern style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that is able to be converted into a double side-by-side. It is available in a variety of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It's also incredibly easy to collapse. It's also fairly light, which makes it an ideal choice for families with smaller cars or a limited storage space.
Convertible
The top double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are capable of changing seating configurations to meet the changing needs of your family. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, and still have enough space to carry shopping bags. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our test participants thought it was somewhat heavy for the money.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for newborns. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it more compact. The City Select's innovative folding system that is one-handed impressed our test subjects but it does require some practice. It's also extremely agile and responsive even despite its size.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It can be transformed from a child-facing car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great choice for infants.
For more flexibility, look for a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children side-by-side. It can also be used to create a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It's responsive and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed, but it offers an ample shopping basket that is ideal for parents with bags full of groceries and toys.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have a child and expect to have another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair to a double with the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well 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 feature that the canopy comes with a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. 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 issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher believed that it was offset by how easy it is to maneuver and how large the storage area is, with two hanging parent and child cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and an enormous underseat basket. Cher also liked that the seats can be turned so that they face each other, which is perfect for siblings who love to chat and have conversations 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 lightweight, and has a self standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, as well as the price. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as much as the other models we've tried and the rear seat isn't as well-lit because of its position as it's higher than the front seat.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It's slim, sleek, easy to steer, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that despite their narrower design Side by side prams remain larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They may be difficult to navigate through crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they are often shorter too, so can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.