Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Double Pram And Pushchair
Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram or pushchair can simplify the lives of families, especially when walking on busy roads or in stores and shops. Find a model that has ample storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and then transformed into a twin pushchair from birth-mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a range of choices.
Tandem
The news that you're about to have to have a baby is among the most exciting times in life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation sets in, you'll have to make a number of choices regarding how to prepare your family. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a classic style that feature two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side by side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models have reversible seating so you can decide if your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems can be converted to one pushchair once 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 an excellent choice for parents looking to save money but not compromising on safety or function. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when you're tripping over the kerbs. It is also less stable than twin prams particularly if a larger child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a single parent who wants something streamlined however the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It's got a frame that expands in size to accommodate a second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight double buggy tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes to choosing a double pushchair or pram, there's a lot to think about. If you're buying 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 side prams) are popular choices as they can be set up to fit infants in a bassinet on top while the older toddler or infant 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 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 jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for outdoor excursions, like to 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 example can be used in tandem mode from birth, with the addition of the rumble seat. (PS249) It is then possible to change to a single pram mode when your little one is old enough to leave the rumble seat or select the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a travel system from infant to toddler.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is a different option. The double side-by-side pram is available in a variety of colors and is designed with a contemporary style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're looking for a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a small double buggy-sided side-by-side, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of various ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also fairly light, which makes it an ideal option for those with smaller cars or a limited storage space.
Convertible
Some of the top double pushchairs or prams can be set up to meet your changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in a seat or even a third one on the seat board and still have room for a shopping basket, and the option to add accessories such as rain covers is also a benefit. Most convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs as they are required to be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is user-friendly, but our testers felt that it was a little heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for newborns. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it smaller. The City Select's innovative folding system that is one-handed impressed our testers but it does require some time to master. It is also quite fluid and agile, despite its size.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. The seat can be converted from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great option for infants.
If you're looking to expand your options Consider a convertible that has dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can fit two children in a row however it can also be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's agile and responsive, and our test users were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs we've reviewed, but it offers an enormous shopping basket that is handy for parents carrying bags full of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Convertible sit n stand double stroller strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have a child and expect the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair by the addition of either an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions. They also like the fact that the canopy has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be lifted high to offer a standing platform for the older child to get off and on, so they can reach things in the basket of groceries.
Cher said that the one disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset because it's easy to move and comes with plenty of storage space with two cup holders for parents and their children seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket under the seat. Cher also liked that the seats can be reversed to face each other. This is ideal for siblings who love to chat and have conversations while out and out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option, but still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is compact, and has a self standing fold, making it easy to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the affordable price. The only drawbacks are that the seats do not recline as much as other models we've tried and the rear seat is not as prominent due to its location - it is raised higher than the first seat.
Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their smaller size side by side prams are wider than tandem and in-line doubles. They may be difficult to navigate on busy streets or in shops. However, they are often shorter, which means they are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.