Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify life for families, particularly in busy shops or on busy streets. Choose a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used both as a single stroller when baby is born, and later changed to a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a variety of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting moments. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation sets in, you will have to make a number of options for how to prepare your family for. The right pram or stroller is one of the most important things to consider.
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 babies. The second seat is more upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models let you select whether your children stare at each other or outwards. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
In terms of price the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it could be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, especially when you're bumping up or down kerbs, and it is generally less stable than a twin pram, particularly if the older child is sitting in the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.
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 features a clever frame that can be expanded to allow the addition of the second seat, and can be used with a variety of combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a variety 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 other siblings that are similar in age, there are a number of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams are popular choices due to the fact that they can be set up in a way that the infant can be seated in the bassinet at the top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second seat.
double running buggy pushchairsandprams have convertible seats, which means you can modify the seating to suit your family's needs throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to keep your kids in sight at all times and gives them a chance to interact with each other while they walk.
Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also a good option for those who have to navigate narrow supermarket isles or checkouts as they are generally more compact than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). It is then possible to change to a single pram mode when your little one is old enough to leave the rumble seat or choose the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system from newborn to toddler.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another option. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed in a contemporary style. 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 little ones are secure and comfortable.
If you're looking for a sleek and elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-by-side double and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also fairly light and therefore a good choice for those who have smaller vehicles or have limited space to store.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs are versatile and some are able to change into different seating configurations to meet the changing needs of your family. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in a seat or a third rider on the seat board and have enough space for a shopping basket, and the ability to add accessories like rain covers is also a plus. Typically, convertible double strollers are bigger 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 instance of a low-cost convertible which is very user-friendly, but our test subjects felt it was a little heavy for the price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for infants. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not in use and makes it more compact. The City Select's clever, one-handed folding impressed our test subjects however it requires some practice. It's also extremely responsive and nimble even despite its size.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. It converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat, and the bassinet mode is a great choice for infants (although remember that babies under four months old shouldn't use strollers to sleep due to the danger of asphyxia from position).
If you're looking to expand your options Consider a convertible that has dual modes like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can fit two children side-by-side, but it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It's responsive and agile and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other models on our list, but it comes with a big basket that's great for parents who have to carry bags of toys and other items.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have children and anticipate to have another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal to sleep at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love that they can be reclined in various positions. They also love the fact that the canopy has a window that peeks out and offers 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 shopping basket.
The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher felt this was overcome by its ease to maneuver and how large the storage space is, with two hanging parent and child cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat storage basket. Cher also liked that the seats can be reversed to be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who like to interact and talk when out and out and about.
A lighter, but equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 lbs, is super compact and features a self-standing fold, making it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the affordable price. The only drawbacks are that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've tried and the rear seat is not as well-lit because of its position as it is higher than the front seat.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It's slim, sleek, easy to steer, and comes with an unbeatable lifetime warranty. Although they are narrower than side-by-side strollers, they can be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They are also smaller and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.