Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram or pushchair will simplify life for families, particularly when walking on busy roads or in stores and shops. Find a model that has ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the world choose a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and then converted to a twin mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a range of options.
Tandem
The announcement that you are expecting a child is one of the most exciting events in life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you'll be faced with many choices regarding how you can prepare your family. The proper stroller or pram is one of the most important considerations.
Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two bassinets or chairs placed side by side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is a bit higher and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models allow you to decide if your children will look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be converted into a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
In terms of cost, 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 function. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when you're tripping over curbs. It is also less stable than twin prams especially when a bigger child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to transport on public transport and is difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a single parent who wants something streamlined however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite long and heavy when pushing. It comes with an innovative frame that can be expanded to allow for the addition of the second seat, and it is compatible with many 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 user-friendly and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes to choosing a double pushchair or pram, there's a lot to think about. There are many 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 is able to sit in the bassinet at the top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second chair.
Some models have reversible seating that allow you to customize the layout of your family members throughout the infant and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times and allows them to be a part of the journey as they walk.
Tandem prams are typically all-terrain buggies or jogging ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also a great option if you need to brave 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, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). You can then change to a single pram mode once your baby is old enough to leave the rumble seat or select the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to turn it into a travel system for newborn to toddler.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is a different alternative. This side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colors and comes with a beautiful modern style. Designed to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe.
The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-by-side. It comes in a range of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings with different age ranges. It's also incredibly easy to collapse. It's also fairly light making it an ideal option for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways and some are capable of changing seating configurations to meet the changing needs of your family. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in seats or a third child on the seat board and have space for a basket to store your shopping, and the ability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is a plus. Convertible double strollers tend to be larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our testers considered it to be somewhat heavy for the money.
Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduce in size when it is not used. The City Select's clever single-handed folding impressed our test subjects however it requires some practice. It's also extremely fluid and agile in spite of its size.
Another option that is reasonably priced is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be transformed from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great choice for infants.
For more flexibility, look for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy which can accommodate two children side-by-side, but it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It is fluid and agile, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as some of the other models we've reviewed, but it comes with a big basket that's ideal for parents who are carrying bags full of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who already have a child and expect to have another. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair, with the addition of either an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love that they can be reclined 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 also be lifted high to offer an elevated platform for the older child to climb off and on to allow them to reach things in the shopping basket.
Cher said that the only downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset because it is easy to maneuver and comes with plenty of storage space, including two cup holders for parents and children as well as seat-back pockets and an enormous basket underneath the seat. She also appreciated the feature that the seats are convertible, which means they can be positioned to face one another for siblings who wish to talk and interact when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs just 18 pounds, is small and features an auto-standing fold, making it simple to transport or store in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the price is low. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as much as the other models we've examined and the back seat doesn't have great visibility due to its position as it's higher than the front seat.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that despite their narrower design, side by side prams are wider than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they're usually smaller, and can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.