Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can simplify life for families, particularly in bustling shopping centers 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 that can be used as a single stroller once baby is born, and changed to a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a child is among life's most exciting moments. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you will be faced with a variety of options for how you can prepare your family. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the best pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design with two bassinets or seats placed side by side. The front seat is typically padded and reclines to a flat angle, making it suitable for newborns and the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years old. Some models let you choose whether your children look at each other or outwards. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer required to have the second seat.

In terms of price, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair and is a great option for parents who want to save money but not compromising on safety or convenience. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it may be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, especially when you're going up or down kerbs, and it is often less stable than a twin pram especially if the child who is older is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it may be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good option for a single parent looking for a sleeker design however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite large and heavy when pushing. It has a clever frame that expands in width to allow for the addition of the second seat, and it is compatible with many combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's simple to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

There are a lot of things to think about when selecting a double pram or pushchair. If you're buying a double pram for twins or siblings who are close in age, there are a number of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be configured to fit infants in a bassinet on top, while the older toddler or infant is in the second seat below.

Some models have reversible seats that allow you to customize the configuration for your family members throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to keep your kids in sight at all times and gives them a an opportunity to interact with each other as they stroll.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles and checkouts in shops and supermarkets as they are smaller.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). When your child grows out of the rumble chair, you can switch to one pram mode. You can also choose to make use of the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn to toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is a different alternative. This double side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a contemporary style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your little ones are secure and comfortable.

If you're looking for a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a side-byside double seat stroller and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It is available in a variety of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different age ranges. It's also incredibly easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight making it an ideal choice for families who have small cars or only a little storage space.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile, and some are even able to change into different seat configurations to suit your family's changing needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats, and still have enough space for shopping bags. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers tend to be larger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is user-friendly, however our test subjects felt it was a little heavy for the price.

Some convertible double pushchair with car seat strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not being used and makes it more compact. The City Select's clever, one-handed folding impressed our test subjects, but it takes some time to master. It's also quite agile and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.

Another affordable option is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a child-facing car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great choice for infants.

For more flexibility, look for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that can accommodate two children side-by-side. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It feels nimble and responsive, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs on our list, but it offers a large shopping basket which is ideal for parents with bags of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are a great alternative for parents who have a child and expect the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double with the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can recline in a variety of positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised to provide a standing platform for the older child to climb off and on, so that they can access items in the basket of groceries.

Cher said that the one disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt that this was compensated for because it's easy to move and comes with plenty of storage space with two cup holders for parents and children seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket under the seat. Cher also liked that the seats can be turned to be positioned to face each other, which is perfect for siblings who like to talk and interact when out and about.

A lighter, but equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and features a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, and the low cost. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as much as the other models we've tested and the back seat doesn't have great visibility due to its position - it's raised higher than the front seat.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower, side-by-side prams can still be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. They're also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.