Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair can simplify life for families, particularly on busy footpaths or in stores and shops. Choose a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used both as a single stroller when baby is born, and changed to a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a variety of these options.
Tandem
The announcement that you are expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting experiences. However, once the excitement of the beginning fades and the reality sets in, you may be faced with a variety of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. One of the most important considerations is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a classic design that have two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side-by-side. The front seat is usually padded and reclines to a flat angle, making it suitable for infants, while the second seat is more upright and can be used by toddlers up to three years old. of age. Certain models feature reversible seating so you can choose whether your children face one another or look at you. lightweight twin stroller can be converted into one pushchair when 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 who want to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when you're tripping over curbs. It's also less stable than twin prams particularly if a larger child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a singleton parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long when pushing. It has an innovative frame that can be expanded to allow for 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 separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats or carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram there's plenty to consider. If you're buying a double pram for twins or other siblings that are similar in age there are a variety of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be configured to fit infants in a bassinet at the top, while the larger toddler or infant sits in the seat below.
Some models come with convertible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to suit your family's needs throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey when they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops, as they are less bulky.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example can be used in tandem mode right from birth with the addition of an rumble seat. (PS249) You can then change to a single pram mode when your little one is old enough to leave the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a traveler from infant to toddler.
Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed with a modern design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a double-sided side-by-side and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different age groups. It's also incredibly easy to collapse. It is also relatively light, making it a good choice for those who have small cars or limited space for storage.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are capable of changing seat configurations to suit your family's changing needs. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats with room for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. In general, convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they must be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use, although our testers felt that it was a little heavy for the price.
Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for babies. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not in use and makes it more compact. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's clever one-handed fold, though it does take some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than double strollers.
Another option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat can be transformed from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet-style mode makes it a great option for infants.
If you're looking for more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can hold two children in a row however it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's nimble and responsive and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs we've reviewed however it does come with a large shopping basket which is handy for parents carrying bags full of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents prefer to secure their double buggy if they have a child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a good option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double with the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal to sleep at night). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and love the fact that they both recline to multiple positions, come with built-in foot and leg supports and generous UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.
Cher said that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt this was offset by the fact that it's easy to move and offers plenty of storage space with two cup holders for parents and children seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also loved that the seats can be turned so that they be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who want to interact and talk while out and out and about.
A lighter-weight but just as impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact and features an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the affordable cost. The only downsides are that the seats do not recline as well as other models we've tested and the rear seat is not as well-lit due to its position - it is raised higher than the seat in front.
Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. Although they are smaller side-by-side prams may be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they are often smaller, and can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.