Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Double Pram And Pushchair
Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A double pram can simplify the lives of families, especially in busy shopping centers or on busy streets. Choose a model with 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 at the time baby is born, and then converted to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a range of these options.
Tandem
The news that you're about to have a baby is one of the most exciting moments in life. But, once the initial excitement wears off and reality sinks into your life, you'll be faced with a myriad of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. The best stroller or pram is one of the most important things to consider.
Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' cheap double buggy prams) are a classic design with two bassinets or seats for prams 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 three years old. Some models have seats that can be reversible, so you can choose to have your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer required to have the second seat.
In terms of cost the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair (online) and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money but not compromising on safety or convenience. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it can be heavy and long to steer especially when going up or down kerbs, and it is often less stable than a twin pram particularly if the older child is sitting in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to get onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a great option for a single parent who wants an elegant appearance. However, the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It features a clever frame that expands widthways 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 a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
There are many aspects to think about when selecting a double pushchair or pram. There are numerous configuration options available, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams are popular choices because they can be configured so that the infant can sit in the bassinet at the top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.
Some models even have seats that can be reversible, meaning you can adapt the configuration to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you see your children at all times, and gives them the chance to connect with them while they walk.
Tandem prams are often jogging buggies or all-terrain ones which makes them ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also a good option if you need to brave narrow supermarket isles or checkouts because they are generally more compact than single-seaters.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child is no longer a member of the rumble chair you can switch to a single pram mode. You may also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is a different option. The side-by-side stokke double stroller pram is available in a variety of colors and features an attractive modern style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).
If you're looking for a sleek and stylish pushchair that converts into a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It is also super-easy to fold. It's also fairly light and therefore a good option for those with little space in their cars or don't have enough space to store.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways, and some are even capable of changing seat configurations to suit your changing family needs. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats with room for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use, although our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for the money.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not being used and makes it smaller. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's clever one-handed fold, although it takes a bit of practice. It also feels quite nimble and agile, despite being larger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet option is a great choice for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should never use strollers to sleep due to the danger of asphyxia from position).
For more flexibility, look for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that is able to accommodate two children at the same time. It can also be used to make a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. It's nimble and agile, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as light as the other models on our list but it comes with a big basket that's great for parents who have to carry bags full of toys and groceries.
Lightweight
Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair, with the addition of an infant seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and love the fact that both recline to different positions, have built-in leg and foot support and large UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out. The rear seat can also be lifted high to offer a standing platform for the child to get on and off, so they can access items in the basket of groceries.
Cher said that the one downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset by the fact that it is easy to maneuver and has plenty of storage, including two cup holders for children and parents seats-back pockets, as well as an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated the seat's design, which is convertible, which means they can be positioned to face one another for siblings that want to talk and get together when out and out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option and still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is small and features an auto-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the price is low. The only drawbacks are that the seats do not recline as well as other models we've tried and the rear seat is not as visible because of its position - it is raised higher than the first seat.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It's slim, sleek, easy to steer, and comes with an unbeatable lifetime warranty. Although they are narrower, side-by-side prams can still be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. They are also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
