Solutions To The Problems Of Double Pram And Pushchair
Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair
A good double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy streets or in shops and stores. Find a model that has ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once bub is born and then transformed into a twin-mode when the baby is old enough. Joolz offers a variety of these options.
Tandem
The news that you're expecting to have a baby is among the most compact double stroller exciting times in life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will be faced with many decisions regarding how you can prepare your family. The best stroller or pram is among the most crucial considerations.
Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams, are a classic style with two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat is typically covered in padding and reclines to a flat angle, making it suitable for babies while the second one is more upright and can accommodate toddlers from around three years of age. Some models come with reversible seating so you can choose whether your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems can be converted into a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer required to have the second seat.
A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and can be an ideal choice for parents who wish to save money, without compromising safety or functionality. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it can feel long and heavy to steer especially when moving up and down kerbs. It is often less stable than a twin pram, particularly if the older child is seated in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a singleton parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel quite heavy and long when pushing. It has a frame that expands in width 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 carrycots or car seats.
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 called side by side prams) are a popular choice since they can be configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet at the top, while the older toddler or infant sits in the seat below.
Some models have reversible seating that let you customize the layout of your family members throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to keep your children always in your sight and also gives them a an opportunity to interact with each other while they walk.
Tandem prams are often all-terrain buggies or jogging ones that is why they're great for outdoor adventures and the park. These are also good for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets as they are less bulky.
The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example can be used in tandem mode right from birth, with the addition of an rumble seat. (PS249) You can then change to a single pram mode once your child gets used to the rumble seat or choose the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for newborn to toddler.
The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is a different option. This Smallest Double Buggy side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed in a contemporary style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can include 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 double-sided side-by-side, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It is available in a variety of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It's also incredibly easy to collapse. It's also relatively lightweight making it a great choice for those with small cars or limited storage space.
Convertible
The best double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways, and some are even able to change into different seat configurations to suit the changing needs of your family. You can fit two toddlers in the seats or a third child on the seat board, and still have room for a shopping basket and the capability to add accessories like rain covers is a advantage. Convertible double strollers are generally larger and heavier than single pushchairs, as they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible which is very user-friendly, however our test subjects felt it was a little heavy for the price.
Some convertible double buggy side by side strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when it is not used. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's innovative one-handed fold. However, it requires some time to master. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. The seat can be transformed 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 for more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children side-by-side. It can also be used to make a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. It is nimble and responsive, and our test users were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs in our list however it does come with a large shopping basket which is ideal for parents with bags of groceries and toys.
Lightweight
Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy if they have a child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a good option. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair, with the addition of either an infant seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and love the fact that both recline to multiple positions, have built-in foot and leg supports and large UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.
The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher felt this was overcome by its 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. She also appreciated the fact that the seats are reversible, so they can be set to face one another for siblings that want to talk and interact when out and about.
The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a smaller model and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact and features a self standing fold, making it easy to transport or put in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the affordable price. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as the other models we've examined, and the rear seat isn't as well-lit due to its position that is higher than the front seats.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It's slim, sleek, and easy to steer, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower side-by-side by side double stroller prams may be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they are often shorter too, so can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.