Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram or pushchair can simplify life for families, particularly on busy streets or in stores and shops. Choose a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some first-time parents choose a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and later changed to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The news that you're expecting the birth of a child is one of the most exciting times in life. But, once the excitement of the beginning fades and reality begins to sink in, you may be faced with a multitude of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new 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 timeless design with two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat is usually padded and reclines to a flat position making it suitable for babies and the second seat is more upright and can accommodate toddlers from around three years old. Certain models let you select whether your children stare at each other or face each other. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.
A tandem is cheaper than a twin pram and is a great option for parents looking to save money, without compromising safety or functionality. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it could feel long and heavy to steer, especially when you're going up or down kerbs, and it is often less stable than a twin pushchair, especially if the child who is older is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is an excellent alternative for parents with one child who want a sleeker style. However, the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It comes with an innovative 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 tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a range of car seats or carrycots.
Side by side
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a double pushchair or pram. There are a variety of configuration options to choose from, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are a popular choices because they can be configured so that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet at the top while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.
Some models have reversible seating which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family members throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey when they walk.
Tandem prams are usually all-terrain buggies or jogging ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also a great option when you have to traverse narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets because they tend to be smaller than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram starting from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child gets bored of the rumble chair you can switch to a single pram mode. You may also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to transform it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.
Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed with a contemporary style. The design is intended to be used right from the moment of birth, you can choose to add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your children are safe and comfy.
If you're seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can be converted into a side-byside double and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It is available in a variety of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings with different age groups. Read the Full Guide 's also easy to collapse. It's also lightweight, making it a good option for those with smaller vehicles or have limited space for storage.
Convertible
The top double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are capable of changing seating arrangements to meet the changing needs of your family. You can fit two toddlers in a seat or even a third one on the seat board and still have enough space for a basket to store your shopping, and the option to add accessories such as rain covers is a benefit. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and larger than single pushchairs because they need to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is extremely user-friendly, however our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not used. The City Select's clever single-handed folding impressed our test participants, but it takes some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. The seat converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, and the bassinet mode is a great choice for infants (although keep in mind that infants under four months old shouldn't be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).
For greater flexibility, opt for a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can hold 2 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's responsive and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs on our list however, it comes with an enormous shopping basket that is great for parents who carry bags of toys and food.
Lightweight
Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who already have one child and are expecting another. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair, with the addition of either 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 that they can be reclined in various positions. They also like the feature that the canopy comes with a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised to provide an elevated platform for the child to climb on and off, so they can access items in the shopping basket.
Cher said that the one downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt this was offset because it's easy to move and has plenty of storage and cup holders for parents and their children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket under the seat. Cher also appreciated the fact that the seats are reversible, so they can be positioned to face one another for siblings that want to talk and get together when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is lightweight, and has an auto-standing fold, making it simple to transport or store in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the affordable price. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as the other models we've tested and the back seat doesn't have great visibility due to its position - it's raised higher than the front seats.
Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower side-by-side prams may be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. However, they're usually smaller, and can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.