Buying a Double Pram Pushchair
If you're expecting twins, or have a toddler and newborn, then a double pram pushchair will make travelling with both children much easier. There are many models that come with two padded seats that can be reversible to allow siblings to sit together or to face the parent, plus an extra rumble seat designed for older kids that's slightly more upright and simple to use.
Features
One of the most important considerations when buying a double pram pushchair is the versatility it can be. There are many options available for you to choose from, whether you're looking for something that will grow along with your family or a solution to get your child from infant to toddler.
Double prams are an ideal option for busy families. Consider features that help them to navigate through rough terrain and urban environments. The right double pram is easy to maneuver through crowded streets or narrow aisles in stores. Also, a thoughtful folding mechanism will make it easy to load it into the car's boot or fold away to store at home.
The length and width of a double pram will determine whether it's able to fit through your front or other doors that you use. Side-by-side double prams tends to be narrower than tandem models, but it's worth checking the dimensions of your chosen model to ensure it's able to pass through any doors you regularly use.
Reversible seats are offered on the top double prams. This lets you decide whether your children are with one another or the parent. This lets them connect and socialize with each other while you complete your around on your errands. Some double pram pushchairs come with adjustable footrests and seat cushions that help keep your children comfortable while they ride.
Lastly, it's worth considering a double pram that can be used with a bassinet for babies, a baby capsule or carrycot. This will let you use it as a single pram for your older child, and then add a second seat or bassinet when your baby is born. In many cases it will save you money and space compared to buying two prams for each stage in your family's life.
The ability to recline both the seats and the canopy at the push of a button is a neat feature to look for in a double pushchair. You can create a comfortable lie-flat area for your child to sleep during long drives. The Joolz Venus, for example is a toddler seat that reclines and an add-on RumbleSeat that can be reclined to a variety of positions with the press of a button. The seats, which are padded and removable, are extremely comfortable. The large UPF 50+ canopy and peekaboo windows provide plenty of shade.
Styles
A double pram is a must for families with twins or siblings close in age that want to spend time together on family outings. There are a variety of double pram pushchairs to pick from, and deciding which one is ideal for your family could be a tough choice. The most common designs include single-to-dual, side by-side and tandem. Side-by-side prams are great for siblings because they offer equal visibility and seating positions which allow children to interact each other. However, it is worth noting that they are often longer and bulkier than single prams, and may not be as easy to maneuver through crowds or on public transport.
Dual-toddler prams on the other hand, provide a more space efficient design with 2 toddler seats that recline and adapt to your child's needs. They can also accommodate an additional infant seat or carrycot, making them a great choice for twins or children of similar age.
Non-convertible side-by-side prams aren't able to sibling fights since it's possible for a child to punch or kick another child while sitting. These prams are not practical for children who have different developmental milestones because they have to change their seating positions throughout the day.
Tandem prams are another popular option as they offer plenty of space for your growing family, while giving you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. They are perfect for children who are similar in age, since they encourage interaction and can be personalized with different seating options to meet the needs of your family. However they can be quite large and wide, so they may not be as maneuverable as convertible or single prams. They can also be difficult to fit through doors.
A well-known and unique design is the single-to-dual Cybex Wave. It allows you to use the pushchair in 30 configurations, from newborns through to 4 years old, with the inclusion of a tandem seat, second carrycot or infant car seat. This innovative design will help you save money because it does away with the need to purchase an additional pram for older children. It also looks amazing!
Size
The size of the double pram is an important aspect to consider when choosing a pushchair. Double strollers are generally wider than single prams, and have a larger footprint due to the larger seat. They can also be a bit longer. Before you purchase, it's worth checking dimensions to make sure your new buggy can fit through the doorways and halls at home.
Side-by-side double prams, like the Bugaboo Donkey 5, are ideal for siblings who are close in age. Both seats offer views of the world and feature adjustable seating options to promote interaction between children. This kind of double pram is quite large and might not fit through some doors. It is ideal for homes with a large entranceway.
Tandem double prams, such as the CYBEX Gazelle S Twin Pram, are made specifically for twins or siblings that are similar in age and can be used from birth with the use of an adapter for baby car seats. They can also be converted into a single pushchair with the addition of a bassinet or carrycot and are much easier to manoeuvre on public transport.
Reclining seats are a great feature to be looking for in a double pushchair, because they provide additional flexibility and comfort for both children. They let one child lay flat and nap while the other one is seated up. They are perfect for newborns to toddlers.
Storage space is another feature to look for when purchasing double prams, since many models offer ample storage options to store everything you need to carry and extras. This will make it less necessary to carry additional bags and backpacks.
Some double prams come with adjustable handlebars which is a great feature for parents of all sizes. You can adjust the handlebars to fit your height. This makes it easy for taller parents to not stoop and for shorter parents to maintain a good posture while pushing the buggy.
Safety
A quality double pram should have a secure harness that is easy to fasten and unfasten. Look for double pram and pushchair -point buckles (one strap on each arm and leg and a fifth strap that goes up from the center of the seat). It is also beneficial to have seats with padding that are padded to the max around the head, shoulders and legs. A large basket for shopping can also be used to store both the children's items.
A sturdy chassis is an important security feature, as is a brake that is locked, particularly when you are traveling downhill. Some models even have a telescopic handlebar, which allows you to alter the height of the handle so you can easily move the stroller.
The best double prams to use with twins or siblings should have two toddler seats, however some models will also accommodate an infant car seat and a bassinet/carry cot for newborns. Some may have a large basket, and other features like an extendable sun canopy or parent consoles.
It can be difficult to choose the right double stroller for you and your family. Convertible prams are a great option for families who plan to have a child in the next three years. They can be converted to one stroller. A tandem double stroller will be a good option for parents who want to keep their children close in age.
It's important to note that both styles have their own disadvantages. For instance the seats in a side-by-side double stroller might be awkwardly positioned and cause sibling fights over the best seat to use. Also, double buggy should look for a model that has a simple folding mechanism. This will make it easier to load into the trunk of your car or take public transport or store it at home. A good double pushchair should be easy to manoeuvre also, whether you're steering it down a busy street or navigating narrow doors. Pay attention to the weight, as it can affect your ability to move the pram.