Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify life for families, particularly in bustling shops or on busy streets. Pick a model with ample storage space for nappies snacks, nappies, and other necessities.
Some first-time parents choose a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and then changed to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a variety of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you’re expecting to have a baby is among the most exciting moments in your life. But, once the initial excitement wears off and reality sinks in, you could be faced with a multitude of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. One of the most important considerations is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also known as ‘in-line’ double prams) are a classic design that have two seats or pram bassinets arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is more upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models come with reversible seating so you can choose whether your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems also have the option of converting into a single pushchair if you decide that your child’s oldest doesn’t require the second seat.
A tandem is cheaper than a twin pram and can be an ideal choice for parents looking to save money, without losing safety or function. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it may be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, especially when you’re moving up and down kerbs. Additionally, it is generally less stable than a twin pram particularly if the older child is seated 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, a popular model with a focus on image, is an excellent alternative for parents who are single and want a sleeker style. However, the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It comes with frames that can be expanded in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of buggy seats, car seats and carrycots (two at simultaneously 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
When it comes to choosing a double pram buggy pushchair or pram there’s plenty to consider. There are numerous configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you’re purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice since they can be configured to accommodate infants with a bassinet at the top while the older infant or toddler sits in the seat below.
Some models come with reversible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to meet the needs of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to see your children at all times, and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey while they walk.
Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones, which means they’re ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They are also great for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets, as they are more compact.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). It is then possible to switch to the single mode once your child gets used to the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a travel system from newborn to toddler.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double pram side-by-side is available in a range of colors and comes with a beautiful modern style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can also include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you’re seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can be converted into a side-by-side double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It’s available in a variety of infant seat and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying age groups. It’s also easy to fold. It’s also lightweight and therefore a good option for those with smaller vehicles or have limited space to store.
Convertible
The best double prams or pushchairs are set up to meet your needs as they change. It is possible to fit two toddlers in the seats or a third child on the seat board, and still have room for a shopping basket, and the capability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is a benefit. In general, convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they have to be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible which is very user-friendly, but our testers thought it was a bit heavy for the price.
Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it more compact. The City Select’s clever, one-handed folding impressed our test participants but it does require some time to master. It is also quite agile and responsive, despite its size.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. The seat can be converted from a child-facing car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great option for infants.
For more flexibility, look for a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It’s a compact double buggy that can hold 2 children side by side however it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It’s fluid and agile, and our testers were impressed by 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 toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy if they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a great option. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double buggy that converts to single pushchair by the addition of an infant seat or the brand’s carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions. They also like the fact that the canopy has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be lifted high to offer a standing platform for the older child to get off and on, to allow them to reach things in the basket of groceries.
The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher found that it was balanced by the ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage area is equipped 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 be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who want to chat and have conversations when out and 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 has a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the affordable price. The only downsides are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we’ve tried and the rear seat is not as prominent due to its location – it is raised higher than the first seat.
Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that despite their narrower design side by side prams remain wider than tandem and in-line doubles and can be difficult to navigate through crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they’re usually smaller, and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.