Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy streets or in the shops and stores. Look for a model with generous storage space for stowing 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 when baby is born, and later converted to a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz has a variety of choices.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting a child is one of life's most exciting moments. However, after the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets into your life, you'll be faced with a myriad of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or one. The proper stroller or pram is among the most important things to consider.
Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double prams) are a classic style that have two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for infants. The second seat is more upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as three years. Some models let you choose whether your children look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems have the option to convert into a single pushchair when you decide your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.
In terms of price, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or convenience. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it may feel long and heavy to steer, particularly when bumping up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is generally less stable than a twin pushchair, especially if the child who is older is seated in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to fit onto public transport and can be difficult to navigate on narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is a fantastic choice for a single parent who wants a sleeker design. However the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy to push. It comes with an innovative frame that can be expanded to allow the addition of the second seat, and it is compatible with many combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a variety of carrycots or car seats.
Side by side
When it comes to choosing a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to consider. There are numerous configuration options available, whether you're buying 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 in a way that the infant can sit in the bassinet at the top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second chair.
Some models even have reversible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to meet the needs of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you see your children at all times and allows them to interact when they walk.
Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops because they are smaller.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram from birth in the dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). It is then possible to change to a single pram mode once your child is old enough to leave the rumble seat or choose the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system from newborn to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colors and features a beautiful modern style. Designed to be used right from the moment of birth, you can include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're looking for a sleek and stylish pushchair that converts into a side-byside double and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It is available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also quite light, which makes it an ideal option for those with small cars or limited storage space.
Convertible
Some of the top double prams or pushchairs can be configured into different seats to accommodate your changing needs. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in the seats or a third child on the seat board and have enough space for a shopping basket and the capability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is another advantage. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and larger than single pushchairs because they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible that is user-friendly, however our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for the money.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not being used. The City Select's innovative, one-handed folding impressed our test subjects, but it takes some practice. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.
Another option that is reasonably priced is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet option is a great choice for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should not be able to sleep in strollers due to the danger of asphyxia from position).
For more flexibility, look for a convertible that has dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can hold two children at the same time. It can also be used to create a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. 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 who have to carry bags full of toys and other items.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double pushchair if they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a great option. double buggy allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair by the addition of either a toddler seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our test subjects were impressed by how comfortable the seats are and love the fact that both recline to multiple positions, have built-in foot and leg supports and generous UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised high to allow the child of a higher age 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 felt this was balanced by the ease to move around and how big the storage is equipped with two hanging parent and child cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat storage basket. She also appreciated the feature that the seats are reversible, so they can be positioned to face one another for siblings who want to talk and interact when out and about.
A lighter-weight but just as impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and features a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the affordable price. The only negatives are that the seats don't recline as much compared to other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as visible due to its position - it is raised higher than the seat in front.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It's slim, sleek and easy to steer and comes with a lifetime warranty. Although they are narrower side-by-side prams may be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They're also shorter, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.