Buying a Double Pram Pushchair
A double pram pushchair is ideal for parents with twins or a toddler and a newborn. It makes travelling with two children much easier. There are many models that come with two seats that are padded and face the world that can be reversible to allow siblings to sit together or to face the parent, and an rumble seat for older kids that's slightly more upright and easy to use.
Features
When purchasing a double pushchair, the versatility of the product is an important factor to consider. If you're looking for something that can expand with your family or an option that will take your child from newborn to toddler there are a lot of options on the market.
Double prams are a great option for families with busy schedules. Look for features that will aid them to navigate through rough terrain and urban environments. For example, excellent manoeuvrability and a smooth ride will make it easy to navigate through busy streets, navigate narrow aisles in shops or maneuver through tight spaces. Of course a well-thought-out folding mechanism will make it easy to put it in the car's boot or fold away for storage at home.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is how narrow or wide the double pram pushchair is in order to determine if it will fit through your front door or any other doors you frequent. Side-by-side double prams tends to be more narrow than tandem models, but it is worth checking the dimensions of your chosen model to make sure it will fit through the doors you typically use.
The best double pram pushchairs feature seats that can be reversible, which means you can have your children facing each with their backs to the parent. This allows them to socialize and interact with one another as you run around on your errands. Some double pram pushchair s even include adjustable footrests as well as seats that keep your children comfortable as they ride.
It's also worth looking into a double stroller which can be used in conjunction with a bassinet, carrycot, or baby capsule. This will let you use it as a single pram with your older child, and add on a second bassinet or seat when your baby is born. In many cases, this will save you money and space when compared to buying two prams for every stage of your family's life.
One of the features to look for in a double pram pushchair is the capacity to recline the seats and canopy with a touch of the button. This allows you to create a cozy lie-flat environment for your toddler or infant to rest during long journeys. The Joolz Venus, for example offers a reclining toddler seat and add-on RumbleSeat that can be reclined in multiple positions at the touch of the button. The seats, which are padded and reversible, are incredibly comfortable and the large UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows is big enough to provide shade.
Styles
A double pram will be essential for families with twins, or siblings who are similar in age and want to enjoy family outings together. There are a variety of double pram pushchairs to choose from and deciding what style is best for your family may be a difficult decision. The most common styles are single-to-dual and side-by-side and tandem. Side-by-side strollers are ideal for families, as they provide equal visibility and seating positions that allow children to interact. It is important to note that they can be larger and bulkier and more difficult to maneuver in crowded areas or on public transportation.
Dual-toddler strollers, on contrary, are more efficient in space and have 2 toddler seats that can be adjusted to fit your child's needs. They can also accommodate an additional carrycot or infant seat, making them a great choice for twins or children of similar age.
They aren't completely safe in terms of preventing sibling squabbles as it is possible for one child to punch or kick the other while they are in their seat. These prams aren't suitable for children who have different developmental milestones, as they need to change their seating positions throughout the day.
Tandem prams are a popular choice, as they offer plenty of room for your growing family while giving you the opportunity to take advantage of the outdoors. They are perfect for children who are close in age, since they encourage interaction and can be customised with various seating options to accommodate the needs of your family. However they can be quite long and wide, which means they may not be as maneuverable as convertible or single prams, and they can 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 different configurations starting from newborns to 4 years old with the addition of a tandem seat or a an infant car seat. This innovative design not only saves you money by not having to purchase a separate pram for your older child, but it looks fantastic too!
Size
The size of the double pram is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a pushchair. Double strollers are generally larger than single prams and have a larger footprint due to the additional seat. This means that they can be a bit longer as well. Before purchasing, it is worth checking dimensions to make sure your new buggy can pass through the doors and hallways at home.
Double prams that can be used side-by-side, like the Bugaboo Donkey 5 are perfect for siblings similar in age. Both seats offer an expansive view of the world and feature adjustable seating options that encourage interaction between children. However, this type of double pram can be quite large and may not be able to fit through some doors, so it is ideal for homes with large entrances.
Tandem double prams like the CYBEX Gazelle S Twin Pram are designed for twins or siblings who are similar in age. They can be used as early as birth by using a baby car seat. They can also be converted to a single pushchair with the addition of a bassinet or carrycot and are much more maneuverable on public transport.
Reclining seats are yet another excellent feature to look for in a double pushchair, because they provide additional flexibility and comfort for both children. They can allow one child to lay flat to sleep while the other sits up, and are the perfect choice for babies up to toddlers.
Storage space is another aspect to keep an eye for in double prams, as many models offer ample storage options to store everything you need to carry and extras. This will eliminate the need to carry bags or backpacks.
Some double prams have adjustable handlebars. This is an excellent feature for parents of all heights. This allows you to adjust the position of the handlebars depending on your height, which means it is easy for taller parents to avoid stooping while allowing shorter parents to maintain proper posture when pushing the buggy.
Safety
A quality double pram should be secured with a harness that is easy to fasten or unfasten. Look for five-point buckles (one strap over each arm and leg and a fifth strap that goes upwards from the middle of the seat). It is also beneficial to have seats with padding with ample padding around the shoulders, head and legs. A large shopping basket can be used to store children's possessions.
A sturdy chassis and a locking brake are essential security features, particularly for those who travel downhill. Some models also have a telescopic handlebar, which allows you to adjust the height of the handle so you can easily maneuver the stroller.
The most reliable double prams are those that include two toddler seats. Some will also accommodate an infant car-seat and a bassinet/carry-cot for newborns. Some may have a large basket, as well as other features such as an extendable sun canopy or consoles for parents.
It can be difficult to choose the right double stroller that is suitable for you and your family. Convertible strollers are ideal when you are planning to have a second child within three years. They can be converted to one stroller. A tandem double stroller will be a good choice for parents who are looking to keep their children near in the age range of.
It's important to note that both styles have disadvantages, for instance, the seats of the side-by-side double stroller may be a bit awkwardly placed and could result in sibling disputes over who sits in which seat. It's also worthwhile to find an option with a smooth folding mechanism, as this makes it much easier to load into the boot of your car or use public transportation or even store at your home. It must also be easy to maneuver, whether you are driving it along an artery or through narrow doorways. Pay attention to the weight as it will hinder your ability to maneuver the pram.