Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A good double pram or pushchair will simplify life for families, particularly when walking on busy roads or in shops and stores. Select a model that offers plenty of storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the world choose a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and converted to a twin mode after the baby arrives. Joolz has a variety of options.
Tandem
The news that you’re about to have the birth of a child is one of the most exciting moments in your life. But, once the excitement fades and reality begins to sink in, you could be faced with a myriad 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 twin stroller pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also known as ‘in-line’ double prams) are a timeless design that have two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Certain models feature seats that can be reversible, so you can choose whether your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems can be converted to one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.
In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money but not compromising on safety or convenience. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it can feel long and heavy to steer, especially when you’re moving up and down kerbs. It is generally less stable than a twin umbrella stroller pram especially if the child who is older is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that’s a great option for a single parent who wants something streamlined however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite heavy and long when pushing. It’s got an expanded frame that increases in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of car seats, buggy seats, and carrycots (two at a time 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 selecting a double pram or pushchair, there’s a lot to consider. There are a variety of configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you’re buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also referred to 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 seated in the second seat.
Certain models come with reversible seats that allow you to customize the configuration for your family during the toddler and baby years. This allows you to keep your kids always in your sights and also gives them a an opportunity to interact with each other while they walk.
Tandem prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are great for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They’re also a great option for those who have to navigate narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets, as they tend to be smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for instance, can be used in tandem mode from birth, with the addition of the rumble seat. (PS249) When your child grows out of the rumble chair, you can switch to a single pram mode. You can also choose to make use of the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double pram side-by-side is available in a range of colours and has a beautiful modern style. The design is intended to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable.
If you’re seeking a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a side-by-side double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It’s available in a variety of carrycot and infant seat configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It’s also easy to fold. It’s also fairly light and therefore an ideal choice for families with small cars or limited storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways, and some are even capable of changing seating arrangements to meet your changing family 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 a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs because they are required to be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible that is extremely user-friendly, but our testers thought it was a little heavy for the price.
Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot 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 participants, but it takes some practice. It’s also quite agile and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. It can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat, and the bassinet mode is a great choice for infants (although be aware that babies younger than four months old shouldn’t sleep in strollers because of the danger of asphyxia from position).
If you’re looking to expand your options, consider a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It’s a compact double buggy which can accommodate two children side-by-side however it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It is agile and responsive, and our test users loved its sleek design. It’s not quite as lightweight as the other models we’ve reviewed, but it has a large basket that’s great for parents carrying bags full of toys and food items.
Lightweight
Some parents prefer to secure their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another so a convertible option is a good option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair a double with the addition of a toddler’s seat or the brand’s carrycot (which works well for sleeping at night). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and love the fact that both recline to different positions, come with built-in foot and leg supports and large UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. 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 stated that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt that this was compensated for because it’s easy to move and offers plenty of storage space with two cup holders for parents and their children as well as seat-back pockets and an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also liked that the seats can be reversed to face each other. This is great for siblings who want to chat and have conversations when out and 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 compact, and has an auto-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship and the affordable price. The only drawbacks are that the seats do not recline as well as other models we’ve tried and the rear seat isn’t as prominent 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, stylish and easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their slimmer design, side by side prams are still wider than tandem and in-line doubles. They may be difficult to navigate through busy footpaths or in stores. They’re also shorter, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.
