Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in busy shops or on busy streets. Choose a model that has ample storage space for nappies snacks, nappies, and other necessities.

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

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a child is one of the most exciting events in life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will be faced with a variety of choices regarding 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 that have two seats or pram bassinets arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually 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 let you choose whether your children look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.

A tandem is more affordable than twin prams and can be a great option for parents who wish to save money without having to sacrifice safety or functional. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it could be heavy and long to steer, especially when you're going up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is generally less stable than a twin buggy from birth pram, especially if the child who is older is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit onto public transport and is difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a great option for parents with one child who want a sleeker appearance. However the tandem mode can make it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It features an innovative frame that expands widthways to allow for the addition of the second seat, and can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's simple to use and compatible with a variety of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes to selecting a double pram or pushchair there's plenty to consider. If you're buying for twins or siblings close in age there are plenty of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are a popular choices because they can be configured so that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet in the middle while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.

Some models even have reversible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to meet the needs of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your little ones always in your sights and also gives them a chance to interact with each other while they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They're also a good choice when you have to traverse narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts because they're generally smaller than single-seaters.

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

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colours and has an elegant modern design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're looking for a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups and is easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight and therefore an ideal option for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.

Convertible

Some of the best double pushchairs or prams can be made into various seats to meet your needs as they change. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, with enough space for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. In general, convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs as they are required to be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible which is very user-friendly, but our test subjects felt it was a little heavy for the price.

Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for babies. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not being used and makes it smaller. The City Select's innovative, one-handed folding impressed our testers, but it takes some practice. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.

Another option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat can be transformed from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet-style mode is a great option for infants.

If you're looking for more flexibility Consider a convertible that has dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that is able to accommodate two children in a tandem. It can also be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It is responsive and nimble and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs in our list, but it offers a large shopping basket which is handy for parents carrying bags full of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a good option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into a double with the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate the fact that they can recline in multiple positions. They also like 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 elevated to provide a an elevated platform for the child to get on and off, so they can reach items in the basket of groceries.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher felt this was overcome by its ease to move around and how big the storage space is equipped with two hanging child and parent cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as a large underseat basket. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be reversed so that they be positioned to face each other, which is great for siblings who love to chat and have conversations while out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and features a self-standing fold, making it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of the materials and Double pram and Pushchair workmanship and the affordable price. The only negatives are that the seats do not recline as much as other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as prominent because of its position - it is raised higher than the front seat.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It's slim, sleek, and easy to steer and comes with a lifetime warranty. While they're smaller side-by-side prams may be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they're usually shorter too, so are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.