Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in busy shops or on busy streets. Choose a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks and other essentials.

Some first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once baby is born, and later changed into a twin mode once he or she has arrived. Joolz offers a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a child is one of the most exciting events in life. However, once the initial excitement wears off and reality sinks in, you may be faced with a myriad of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design with two bassinets or chairs placed side by side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to fit toddlers as young as three years old. Some models come with reversible seating so you can choose to have your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems have the option of being converted into a single pushchair in the event that you decide that your child's oldest no longer needs the second seat.

In terms of cost it is cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when you're tripping over curbs. It's also less stable than twin prams especially when a bigger child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit onto public transport and can be difficult to navigate on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a singleton parent who is looking for something that is sleek however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite large and heavy when pushing. It's got an expanded frame that increases in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a range of combinations of buggy seats, car seats, and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats or carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes to selecting a double pram or pushchair there's plenty to think about. If you're buying a double pram for twins or siblings who are close in age, there are a number of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are popular choices as they can be arranged to fit infants in a bassinet on top, while the older infant or toddler sits in the second seat below.

Some models come with convertible seats, which means you can modify the seating to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This will allow you to keep your children always in your sight and also gives them the an opportunity to interact with one another as they walk.

Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They're also a good option for those who have to navigate narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets because they're generally smaller than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in the dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). Then, you can switch to the single mode once your child is old enough to leave the rumble seat or select the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for newborn to toddler.

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a contemporary design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can 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's available in a variety of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different ages. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also relatively lightweight, which makes it an ideal choice for families with small double stroller cars or limited storage space.

Convertible

Some of the top double prams or pushchairs are set up to accommodate your changing needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, while still having enough space to carry a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs as they are required to be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is extremely easy to use, although our testers thought it was a bit heavy for the price.

Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not being used. The City Select's clever, one-handed folding impressed our test subjects, but it takes some practice. It's also very agile and responsive in spite of its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-sit n stand double stroller stroller is another affordable option. It can be converted from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet option is a great choice for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should never use strollers to sleep due to the risk of positional asphyxia).

For more flexibility, look for a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can fit two children side-by-side, but it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It is responsive and nimble and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as the other models on our list but it comes with a big basket that is useful for parents who are carrying bags of toys and food items.

lightweight double buggy

Some parents prefer to secure their double pushchair if they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into amazon double stroller (please click the next post) by the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well to sleep at night). Our test subjects were impressed by the comfort of the seats and adore the fact that both recline to different positions, have built-in leg and foot supports and generous UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out. The rear seat can also be lifted high to offer an elevated platform for the child to get on and off, to allow them to access items in the basket of groceries.

Cher said that the only downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed that this was compensated for because it's easy to move and offers plenty of storage space and cup holders for children and parents, seat-back pockets, and an enormous basket underneath the seat. She also liked the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be set to face one another for siblings who wish to talk and get together while out and out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact and features a self-standing fold that makes it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, and the cost. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've examined and the rear seat isn't very well-lit due to its position - it's raised higher than the front seat.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek, and easy to steer and has a lifetime warranty. It's important to keep in mind that despite their narrower design side by side prams are larger than tandems and in-line doubles and can be tricky to navigate on busy streets or in shops. They're also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.