Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy streets or in the shops and stores. Choose a model with ample storage space to store nappies, 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 when baby is born, and later changed into a twin mode when the baby has arrived. Joolz has a variety of choices.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a child is among the most exciting events in life. However, once the excitement of the beginning fades and reality begins to sink in, you may be faced with a multitude of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the best pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a classic style that have two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Certain models let you choose whether your children look at each other or face each other. Many tandems also have the option of being converted into a single pushchair if you decide that your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.

In terms of cost 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 convenience. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it can be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, especially when you're moving up and down kerbs. It is generally less stable than a twin pushchair, especially if the child with the most weight is sitting in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transportation, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a singleton parent who is looking for something that is sleek, but the tandem mode can make it feel large and heavy when pushing. It has an expanded frame that increases in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of buggy seats, car seats, and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of carrycots or car seats.

Side by side

When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram there's plenty to think about. There are a variety of configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are popular options because they can be set up so that the infant can be seated in the bassinet on top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second chair.

Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the layout of your family members throughout the infant and toddler years. This allows you to see your children at all times and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey while they walk.

Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are great for outdoor excursions, like to the park. These are also good for narrow aisles and checkouts in shops and supermarkets, as they are less bulky.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). Then, you can switch to the single pram mode when your little one is old enough to leave the rumble seat or choose the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a traveler from infant to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another option. This double car seat stroller pram side-by-side is available in a range of colors and features an elegant modern design. Designed to be used right from the moment of birth, you can choose to add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe.

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that is able to be converted into a double side-byside. It's available in a variety of infant seat and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also quite light and therefore an ideal choice for families with small cars or limited storage space.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are able to change into different seat configurations to suit the changing needs of your family. You can fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats with room for a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Convertible double seat stroller strollers tend to be heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs because they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our reviewers considered it to be quite heavy for the price.

Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduce in size when not used. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's clever one-handed fold, although it takes some practice. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.

Another option that is reasonably priced is an option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-double pushchair sale Stroller. The seat converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet option is a great choice for infants (although remember that babies under four months old shouldn't use strollers to sleep due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).

If you want more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can fit two children side-by-side and can be used as a tandem by the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It feels fluid and responsive, and our test users loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as some of the other models we've reviewed, but it comes with a big basket that's ideal for parents carrying bags filled with toys and other items.

Lightweight

Some parents want to ensure the future of their double pushchair if they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair to 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 love that they can recline in a variety of positions. They also love 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 raised high so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher found that this was offset by its ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage is with two hanging parent and child cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat basket. She also liked the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be placed to face one another for siblings that want to talk and interact when out and out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a smaller model and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is lightweight, and has a self standing fold, making it easy to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship and the low price point. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as far as other models we've examined and the back seat isn't as well-lit due to its positioning that is higher than the front seat.

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