10 Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Buy A Double Pram And Pushchair
Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify the lives of families, especially on busy footpaths or in stores and shops. Find a model that has ample storage space for 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 once baby is born, and transformed into a twin-mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a variety of these options.
Tandem
The news that you're about to have to have a baby is among the most exciting events in your life. But, once the excitement fades and reality sinks in, you may be faced with a multitude of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. The best stroller or pram is one of the most important things to consider.
Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double prams) are a classic design that have two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Certain models feature seats that can be reversible, so you can choose to have your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems also have the option to convert into a single pushchair if you decide your oldest child does not require the second seat.
A tandem is more affordable than a twin pram and can be an ideal choice for parents who want to save money, but without having to sacrifice safety or functional. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when negotiating kerbs. It's also less stable than twin prams especially when a bigger child is in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to fit onto public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a great choice for parents with one child who want an elegant design. However the tandem mode can make it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It features a clever frame that expands in width to accommodate the second seat, and is compatible with many combinations of carrycots, buggy seats and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a variety of carrycots or car seats.
Side by side
There are many aspects to consider when choosing a double pram or pushchair. There are a variety of configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, referred to as side-by-side prams, are popular options 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 come with convertible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to your family's requirements throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you see your children at all times and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey while they walk.
Tandem prams are typically jogging buggies or all-terrain ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a good option if you need to brave narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets, as they tend to be more compact than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for instance, can be used in tandem mode right from birth, with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) If your child is no longer a member of the rumble seat, you can switch to one pram mode. You can also choose to use the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another alternative. This double side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a modern design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double side by side. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of different ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also light and compact, making it a great choice for those who have small cars or limited space to store.
Convertible
The best double pushchairs or prams can be set up to meet your changing needs. You can fit 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. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and larger than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our reviewers thought it was a bit heavy for the price.
Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when it is not used. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our test participants however it requires some time to master. It's also very nimble and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.
Another option that is affordable 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 makes it a great option for infants.
If you're looking for more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children at the same time. It can be used to create a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. double pram and pushchair is responsive and nimble, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as some of the other models on our list however it does come with a huge basket that's ideal for parents who have to carry bags filled with toys and food items.
Lightweight
Some parents prefer to secure their double pushchair if they have one child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair to double with the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well to sleep at night). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can be reclined in a variety of positions. They also love the feature that the canopy comes with a window that peeks out and offers 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, so they can reach things in the basket of groceries.
The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher found that this was balanced by the ease to maneuver and how large the storage area is, with two hanging parent and child cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as a large underseat storage basket. Cher also loved that the seats can be reversed to face each other. This is great for siblings who like to talk and interact when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact and features an auto-standing fold, making it easy to transport or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the affordable price. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as much as the other models we've tested 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 and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. While double buggy , side-by-side prams can still be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. They are also shorter which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.