Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair can simplify the lives of families, especially on busy footpaths or in stores and shops. Pick a model with plenty of storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller double (you could try this out) when bub is born and then changed into a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a wide range of choices.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in life. However, after the excitement of the beginning fades and the reality sets in, you may be faced with a variety of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. The proper stroller or pram is among the most crucial considerations.

Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two seats or bassinets placed side by side. The front seat is usually padded and reclines to a flat position, making it suitable for babies and the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years older. Some models come with reversible seating so you can choose to have your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems also have the option of being converted into a single pushchair if you decide that your oldest child does not require the second seat.

In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be a great choice for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or function. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when bumping over curbs. It is also less stable than twin prams particularly if a larger child is riding in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to transport on public transport and is difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great option for a single parent who wants something streamlined however, the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It has an expanded frame that increases in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of buggy seats, car seats, and carrycots (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 car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram there's a lot to consider. If you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age, there are a number of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams, referred to as side-by-side prams, are popular choices because they can be set up in a way that the infant can be seated in the bassinet on top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.

Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to see your children at all times, and allows them to interact when they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also a good option for those who have to navigate narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets as they're generally smaller than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram starting from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). Then, you can change to a single pram mode once your baby is old enough to leave the rumble seat or choose the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to turn it into a travel system for infant to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another option. The double side-by-side by side double stroller pram is available in a range of colors and is designed with a modern style. The design is intended to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable.

The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be transformed into a double side-by-side. It's available in a variety of carrycot and infant seat configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups and is easy to fold. It's also fairly light, making it a good choice for those who have little space in their cars or don't have enough space to store.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile, and some are even capable of changing seat configurations to suit your family's changing needs. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats, while still having enough space to carry shopping bags. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Typically, convertible double buggy for twins strollers are larger 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 a very affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our reviewers considered it to be somewhat heavy for its price.

Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is 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 clever single-handed folding impressed our testers, but it takes some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, and the bassinet mode is a great choice for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should never use strollers to sleep due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).

If you're looking for more flexibility Consider a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that can accommodate two children at the same time. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It's responsive and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs on our list however, it comes with a large shopping basket which is great for parents who carry bags full of groceries and toys.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who already have one child and are expecting another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair to double with the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers love that they can be reclined in various positions. They also like the fact that the canopy has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised high so that the older child can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

Cher said that the one disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset by the fact that it is easy to move and offers plenty of storage space, including two cup holders for parents and children as well as seat-back pockets and a large basket under the seat. Cher also appreciated that seats can be flipped so that they face each other, which is great for siblings who want to talk and interact while out and out and about.

A lighter-weight but just as impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 pounds, is extremely compact and has an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the affordable cost. The only negatives are that the seats don't recline as much compared to other models we've tested and the rear seat is not as visible due to its location - it is raised higher than the first seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their slimmer design, side by side prams are larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate through crowded footpaths or in shops. They're also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.