Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify the lives of families, particularly in busy shops or on busy streets. Look for a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some parents who are first-time parents choose a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once bub is born and then changed into a twin mode after the baby is old enough. Joolz offers a wide range of choices.
Tandem
The news that you're about to have the birth of 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 will be faced with many choices regarding how you can prepare your family. The right pram or stroller is among the most important considerations.
Tandem prams (also known as "in-line" double prams) are a timeless design that have two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Certain models let you decide if your children will look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be converted to a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and is a great option for parents who want to save money without losing safety or function. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it may be heavy and long to steer, particularly when moving up and down kerbs. It is usually less stable than a twin pushchair, especially if the child with the most weight is sitting in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to fit onto public transport and is difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a single parent looking for a sleeker design however, the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It features a clever frame that expands in width to allow for the addition of the second seat, and can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, buggy seats and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and 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 to choose from, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are popular choices because they can be configured so that the infant can be seated in the bassinet at the top while the older child or toddler is seated in the second seat.
Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the layout of your family during 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 while they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are great for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also a good choice if you need to brave narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts, as they are generally smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). When your child grows out of the rumble seat, you can switch to the single pram mode. You can also choose to use the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colours and has a beautiful modern style. It is designed to be used right 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.
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a side-byside double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It comes in a range of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different age ranges. It's also incredibly easy to collapse. It's also relatively lightweight and therefore a great choice for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.
Convertible
The best double pushchairs or prams can be made into various seats to accommodate your changing needs. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats and still have enough space to carry shopping bags. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is user-friendly, but our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for newborns. This reduces the size of the double stroller when not in use 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's also extremely agile and responsive even despite its size.
Another option that is reasonably priced is an option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. 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.
If you want more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children in a tandem. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It is agile and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs on our list however it does come with a large shopping basket which is handy for parents carrying bags full of toys and food.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy if they have one child and are expecting another so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers appreciate the fact that they can recline in multiple positions. They also like the design of the canopy, which 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 items in the shopping basket.
The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher found that it was offset by how easy it is to maneuver and how large 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 convertible, which means they can be placed to face each other for siblings who want to chat and interact together while out and about.
A lighter and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 lbs. It is compact and has a self-standing fold, making it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the low price. 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 visible due to its location - it is raised 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 narrower design side by side prams are more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles. They may be tricky to navigate on busy streets or in shops. However, they are often smaller, and can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.