Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair can simplify the lives of families, especially on busy footpaths or in the shops and stores. Pick a model with ample storage space for nappies snacks, nappies, and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram when baby is born. It can be changed into a twin mode after the baby is old enough. Joolz provides a variety of these options.
Tandem
The news that you’re expecting to have a baby is among the most exciting events in your life. However, after the excitement of the beginning fades and reality begins to sink into your life, you’ll be faced with a myriad of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or ones. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also known as “in-line” double prams) are a classic style that feature two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat is usually padded and reclines to a flat angle, making it suitable for newborns and the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. old. Some models allow you to choose whether your children look at each other or face each other. A lot of tandems offer the option of converting into a single pushchair in the event that you decide that your child’s oldest doesn’t require the second seat.
A tandem is more affordable than twin buggy prams and is an excellent choice for parents who wish to save money without losing safety or function. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when negotiating curbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to transport on public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that’s a great choice for a single parent who is looking for something that is sleek however, the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It has frames that can be expanded in size to accommodate a second seat. It can be used with a variety of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that’s simple to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
There are many aspects to think about when selecting a double pram or pushchair. If you’re buying for twins or siblings who are close in age, there are a number of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are a popular choices because they can be set up in a way that the infant can be seated in the bassinet in the middle while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.
Some models even have reversible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to suit your family’s needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This will allow you to keep your little ones always in your sights and gives them a chance to get to know each other while they walk.
Tandem prams are often all-terrain buggies or jogging ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They are also great for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops, as they are more compact.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be used in tandem mode right from birth, with the addition of an Rumble seat. (PS249) If your child gets bored of the rumble chair, you can switch to one pram mode. You may also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to transform it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is a different alternative. The side-by-side by side double stroller double travel buggy pram is available in a variety of colours and has an elegant modern design. It is designed to be used from birth, you can also include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side by side. It comes in a range of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It’s also easy to fold. It’s also lightweight, making it a good option for people with smaller vehicles or have limited space for storage.
Convertible
The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile and some are able to change into different seat configurations to suit the changing needs of your family. You can fit two toddlers in the seats or even a third one on the seat board and still have enough space for a shopping basket, and the option to add additional accessories such as rain covers is a advantage. Convertible double strollers tend to be larger and heavier than single pushchairs, as they need to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible which is very user-friendly, however our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for the money.
Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have 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 smaller. The City Select’s clever single-handed folding impressed our test subjects but it does require some practice. It’s also quite agile and responsive, despite being bigger than double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double buggy newborn stroller is another affordable option. It can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet option is a fantastic option for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should not be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of positional asphyxia).
If you want more flexibility Consider a convertible that has dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It’s a slim double stroller that can accommodate two children side-by-side. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It is responsive and nimble and our test participants loved its sleek design. It’s not as lightweight as the other models we’ve reviewed, however it does come with a huge basket that’s ideal for parents who are carrying bags filled with toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have one child and are expecting another. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair by the addition of a toddler seat or the brand’s optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and love the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions, feature built-in leg and foot support and generous UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. The rear seat can also be elevated to provide a a standing platform for the older child to get off and on to allow them to reach items in the basket of groceries.
The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher believed that it was offset by its ease to move around and how big the storage space is with two hanging child and parent cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as a large underseat storage basket. Cher also loved that seats can be flipped so that they can face each other. This is great for siblings who want to interact and talk when they are out and 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 has a self-standing fold, making it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the low price. The only drawbacks are that the seats don’t recline as much as other models we’ve tested and the rear seat isn’t as prominent because of its position and height. It is higher than the seat in front.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek, and easy to steer and has a lifetime warranty. It is important to remember that, despite their slimmer design side by side prams remain more spacious than tandem double buggy and in-line doubles and can be tricky to navigate on busy footpaths or in stores. However, they are often shorter too, so are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.