Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially when walking on busy roads or in the shops and stores. Select a model that offers ample storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.

Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair that can be used both as a single stroller when baby is born, and then changed to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting experiences. However, once the excitement of the beginning fades and the reality sets into your life, you'll be faced with a variety of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or ones. The best stroller or pram is among the most important things to consider.

Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams, are a classic style with two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat is usually padded and reclines to a flat angle, making it suitable for infants and the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years old. Certain models let you choose whether your children look at each other or outwards. Many tandems have the option to convert into a single pushchair in the event that you decide that your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.

A tandem is more affordable than twin prams and can be a great option for parents who want to save money without having to sacrifice safety or functional. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when you're tripping over the kerbs. It is also less stable than twin prams particularly if a larger child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a single parent looking for a sleeker design, but the tandem mode can make it feel quite large and heavy when pushing. It features an innovative frame that expands in width to allow the addition of the second seat, and can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

There are many things to consider when choosing a double pram or pushchair. There are many configuration options to choose from, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. 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 in the middle while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second chair.

Some models even feature convertible seats, which means you can modify the seating to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you see your children at all times and allows them to interact while they walk.

Tandem prams are often jogging or all-terrain buggies that is why they're great for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops, as they are less bulky.

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 switch to the single pram mode once your child gets used to the rumble seat or choose the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a traveler from newborn to toddler.

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colors and features an elegant modern design. The design is intended to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your little ones are secure and comfortable.

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side by side. It comes in a range of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different age groups. It is also super-easy to fold. It is also relatively lightweight, making it a good option for people with small cars or limited space to store.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways, and some are even capable of changing seating configurations to meet the changing needs of your family. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in the seats or even a third one on the seat board and still have room for a shopping basket and the ability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is a advantage. Most convertible double pushchairs strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible that is extremely user-friendly, but our testers felt that it was a little heavy for the money.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not used. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's unique one-handed fold, although it requires a bit of practice. It's also very responsive and nimble even despite its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-off road double buggy stroller is another affordable option. It converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet option is a great choice for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should not use strollers to sleep due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).

If you're looking to expand your options look into a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can hold 2 children side by side, but it can also be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's nimble and responsive and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight like some of the other models we've reviewed, but it comes with a big basket that's great for parents carrying bags filled with toys and other items.

Lightweight

Some parents prefer to secure their Double Buggy That Converts To Single buggy when they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a good option. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleep overs). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that they both recline to multiple positions, come with built-in leg and foot supports and generous UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher believed that this was overcome by how easy it is to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage area is, with two hanging parent and child cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat basket. Cher also loved that the seats can be reversed so that they face each other, which is ideal for siblings who love to interact and talk when out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is small and features a self standing fold, making it simple to transport or put in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the affordable price. The only downsides are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as visible because of its position as it is higher than the seat in front.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their smaller size Side by side prams are more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles. They may be tricky to navigate on busy streets or in shops. However, they're generally smaller, and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.