Choosing a double stroller with bassinet Pram and Pushchair
A good double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy footpaths or in shops and stores. Choose a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks, and other essentials.
Some parents who are new to the world choose a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and then transformed into a twin-mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a range of choices.
Tandem
The news that you’re about to have the birth of a child is one of the most exciting events in your life. However, after the excitement of the beginning fades and reality begins to sink in, you may be faced with a variety of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or ones. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the best compact double stroller pram or pushchair.
Tandem prams, also referred to as “in-line” double prams are a classic design that has two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat is usually covered in padding and reclines to a flat angle, making it suitable for infants and the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years of age. Certain models feature seats that can be reversible, so you can decide if your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems have the option to convert into a single pushchair if you decide your oldest child doesn’t require the second seat.
A tandem is cheaper than twin prams and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money without having to sacrifice safety or functional. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it may be heavy and long to steer, particularly when going up or down kerbs, and it is generally less stable than a twin pushchair, particularly if the older child is sitting in the front. A tandem isn’t always easy to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.
The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good option for a single parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel quite large and heavy when pushing. It comes with a frame that expands in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of buggy seats, car seats, and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.
Side by side
When it comes time to choose a double pram or pushchair there’s plenty to think about. There are numerous configuration options available, whether you’re purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice since they can be arranged to accommodate infants in a bassinet on top, while the older toddler or infant sits in the lower seat below.
Some models even feature convertible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to suit your family’s needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to see your children at all times, and allows them to be a part of the journey as they walk.
Tandem prams are often jogging buggies or all-terrain ones that is why they’re great for outdoor adventures and the park. They’re also a good choice if you need to brave narrow supermarket isles or checkouts as they tend to be more compact 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). If your child is no longer a member of the rumble chair, you can change to one pram mode. You may also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn to toddler travel system.
The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another alternative. This double side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed in a contemporary style. The design is intended to be used right from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your little ones are safe and comfy.
The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double side-by-side. It’s available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It’s also easy to fold. It’s also quite light and therefore an ideal option for those with small cars or limited storage space.
Convertible
Some of the best double prams or pushchairs can be made into various seats to accommodate your changing needs. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, with enough space to carry a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs because they have to be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our reviewers found it to be a bit heavy for its price.
Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not used. 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 responsive, despite being bigger than double strollers.
The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. The seat converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat, and the bassinet mode is a fantastic option for infants (although remember that babies under 4 months old should never be able to sleep in strollers due to the danger of asphyxia from position).
To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It’s a small double buggy which can accommodate 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 nimble and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It’s not as light as some of the other models on our list but it has a large basket that’s great for parents carrying bags filled with toys and other items.
Lightweight
Some parents want to ensure the future of their double pushchair if they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single 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). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love the fact that they can recline in multiple positions. They also appreciate the fact that the canopy has an open window that can be seen from afar and has UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.
The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher believed that this was balanced by its ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage space is with two hanging parent and child cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. Cher also loved that the seats can be turned so that they face each other, which is perfect for siblings who love to chat and have conversations when out and out and about.
A lighter-weight but just as impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact and features an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship and the price is low. The only drawback is that the seats don’t recline as far as some other models we’ve tried and the back seat doesn’t have great visibility due to its positioning – it’s raised higher than the front seat.
The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It’s slim, sleek and easy to steer and has an unbeatable lifetime warranty. It’s important to keep in mind that, despite their smaller size side by side prams are still wider than tandem and in-line doubles. They may be tricky to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. They are also smaller which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
