Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can simplify the lives of families, particularly in bustling stores or on busy streets. Choose a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks and other essentials.

Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used as a single stroller once baby is born, and changed to a twin mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a variety of these options.

Tandem

The news that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting times in your life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will be faced with many options for how to prepare your family. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also known as "in-line" double prams) are a classic design with two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for infants. The second seat is more upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as 3 years. Some models have the option of reversible seating, which lets you decide if your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.

In terms of price, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents looking to save money but not compromising on safety or functionality. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it could be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, particularly when moving up and down kerbs. Additionally, it is often less stable than a twin pushchair, particularly if the older child is seated in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to transport on public transport and can be difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.

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

Side by side

When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram there's a lot to consider. If you're buying for twins or siblings close in age there are plenty of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice because they can be arranged to accommodate infants in a bassinet on the top while the older toddler or infant sits in the second seat below.

Some models have reversible seating which allow you to alter the layout of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you see your children at all times, and allows them to interact when they walk.

Tandem prams are often jogging buggies or all-terrain ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets as they are more compact.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for instance, can be used in tandem mode right from birth, but with the addition of the Rumble seat. (PS249) When your child grows out of the rumble chair you can switch to a single pram mode. You can also opt to use the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn to toddler travel system.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colours and has an elegant modern design. 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 http://153.126.169.73/question2answer/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=packetcreek98 looking for a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-byside double and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a range of infant and carrycot configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of various ages and is super-easy to fold. It is also relatively light and therefore a good option for people with smaller vehicles or have limited space to store.

Convertible

The best double pushchairs or prams can be configured into different seats to meet your needs as they change. You can fit two toddlers in the seats or a third rider on the seat board, and still have space for a shopping basket, and the option to add additional accessories such as rain covers is also a advantage. Most convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they are required to be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very inexpensive convertible that is very easy to use. However, our test participants considered it to be quite heavy for the money.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not used. The City Select's clever single-handed folding impressed our test subjects however it requires some practice. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet-style mode is a great choice for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should not sleep in strollers because of the risk of positional asphyxia).

If you're looking to expand your options, consider a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can hold 2 children side by side and can be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It is responsive and nimble and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs on our list, but it offers a large shopping basket which is great for parents who carry bags of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have children and anticipate the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair, with the addition of an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleep overs). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that they both recline to different positions, come with built-in leg and foot support and have UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The rear seat can also be lifted high to offer an elevated platform for the child to climb on and off, so that they can reach things in the shopping basket.

Cher said that the one negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset by the fact that it is easy to move and comes with plenty of storage space and cup holders for parents and children, seat-back pockets, and an enormous basket underneath the seat. She also liked the fact that the seats are reversible, so they can be positioned to face each other for siblings who wish to talk and get together when out and out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option, but still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact and features a self standing fold, making it easy to transport or store in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship and the affordable price. The only negatives are that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as well-lit due to its position as it is higher than the front seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller than side-by-side strollers, they can be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. However, they are often smaller, and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.