Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can simplify the lives of families, especially in busy shopping centers or on busy streets. Choose a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other essentials.

Some first-time parents opt for a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single and double stroller pram when baby is born. It can be converted into a twin mode when the baby has arrived. Joolz offers a wide range of choices.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a child is among the most exciting events in life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you'll be faced with a variety of decisions 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 style that feature two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for babies. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to fit toddlers as young as three years old. Certain models feature seats that can be reversible, so you can decide if your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

In terms of cost it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it could feel long and heavy to steer, especially when you're moving up and down kerbs. It is generally less stable than a twin pram, especially if the child with the most weight is seated at the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a single parent who is looking for something that is sleek however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite large and heavy when pushing. It's got an expanded frame that increases in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a range of combinations of buggy seats, car seats and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight double stroller 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 a lot to consider. If you're buying for twins or siblings close in age, there are a number of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be set up to fit infants in a bassinet at the top, while the older infant or toddler sits in the seat below.

Some models even have reversible seats, which means you can modify the seating to your family's requirements throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you 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 great for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets because they are smaller.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram 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 use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system from infant to toddler.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colors and features an attractive modern style. 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 your baby is safe and comfy.

The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that is able to be converted into a double side by side. It comes in a range of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings of different age ranges. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also fairly light, which makes it an ideal choice for families who have small cars or only a little storage space.

Convertible

The best double prams or pushchairs are made into various seats to meet your needs as they change. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats with enough space to carry a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be able 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 testers felt that it was a little heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not in use, and makes it smaller. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our test participants however it requires some time to master. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double buggy sale stroller is an alternative that is affordable. The seat converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet-style mode is a fantastic option for infants (although be aware that babies younger than four months old shouldn't be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of positional asphyxia).

If you're looking for more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can hold two children side-by-side. It can also be used to make a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. It is agile and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as the other models we've reviewed, however it does come with a huge basket that's ideal for parents who have to carry bags of toys and food items.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who have one child and are expecting another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double with the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal for overnight sleeping). Our testers noted the comfort of the seats and loved the fact that both recline to multiple positions, have built-in leg and foot support and generous UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised high to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

Cher said that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset because it's easy to move and has plenty of storage and cup holders for parents and their children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket under the seat. Cher also liked that the seats can be turned so that they be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who like to talk and interact while out and out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 pounds, is extremely compact and has a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of materials and workmanship, and the low price. The only drawbacks are that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've tested and the rear seat is not as well-lit because of its position as it is higher than the seat in front.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek, and easy to steer and has an unbeatable lifetime warranty. Although they are smaller side-by-side prams may be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. However, they are often shorter, which means they can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.