Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram or pushchair will simplify the lives of families, especially on busy footpaths or in the shops and stores. Choose a model that has plenty of storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other necessities.
Some parents who are first-time parents opt for 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 the baby arrives. Joolz offers a range of options.
Tandem
The announcement that you're expecting the birth of a child is one of the most exciting times in life. However, once the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets into your life, you'll be faced with a multitude of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams are a classic design with two bassinets or seats placed 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 3 years. Certain models let you choose whether your children look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.
A tandem is less expensive than a twin pram and can be a great option for parents who want to save money, without losing safety or function. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when bumping over kerbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is riding in the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport and is difficult to navigate on narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great option for a single parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It comes with an innovative frame that expands widthways to allow for the addition of the second seat, and it can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs 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 range of car seats and carrycots.
pushchair twin by side
There are many things to consider when choosing a double pushchair or pram. If you're buying for twins or siblings who are close in age, there are a number of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams, referred to as side-by-side prams, are popular options because they can be set up in a way that the infant can sit in the bassinet in the middle while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.
Certain models come with reversible seats which allow you to alter the layout of your family throughout the infant and toddler years. This will allow you to keep your little ones always in your sight and also gives them a chance to get to know each other while they walk.
Tandem prams are typically all-terrain buggies or jogging ones which makes them ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets, as they are smaller.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram from birth in dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). When your child grows out of the rumble chair, you can change to the single pram mode. You may also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to transform it from a newborn to toddler travel system.
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 contemporary style. Designed to be used from birth, you can also 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 seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-byside double and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of varying age groups and is easy to fold. It is also relatively light and compact, making it a great choice for those who have little space in their cars or don't have enough space for storage.
Convertible
Some of the best double prams or pushchairs are set up to meet your changing needs. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats while still having enough space for a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers are generally larger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they need to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is extremely user-friendly, however our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for the money.
Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it smaller. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's unique one-handed fold, although it requires some practice. It's also extremely responsive and nimble in spite of its size.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. It can be converted from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, and the bassinet mode is a great choice for infants (although remember that babies under 4 months old should not be able to sleep in strollers due to the danger of asphyxia from position).
To be more flexible, opt for a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can accommodate two children side-by-side. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It's fluid and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other models on our list but it comes with a big basket that is useful for parents who have to carry bags full of toys and food items.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have one child and are expecting 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 the fact that they can recline in various positions. They also appreciate the design of the canopy, which has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. 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.
Cher said that the one disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset because it is easy to maneuver and has plenty of storage and cup holders for parents and their children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket under the seat. She also appreciated the feature that the seats are adjustable, meaning they can be placed to face each other for siblings who wish to talk and interact while out and about.
A lighter-weight but just as impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and features an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of materials and workmanship, and the low cost. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as much as the other models we've examined and the back seat isn't very well-lit due to its positioning that is higher than the front seat.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their slimmer design Side by side prams are still larger than tandems and in-line doubles and can be tricky to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. They are also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.