Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A good double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy footpaths or in stores and shops. Choose a model that has ample storage space for nappies snacks, nappies, and other necessities.

Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and then transformed into a twin-mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting the birth of a child is one of the most exciting events in life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you'll be faced with a variety of choices regarding how you can prepare your family. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the best pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design with two bassinets or chairs placed side by side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is more upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Certain models let you choose whether your children look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be converted to one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

In terms of cost it is cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when bumping over the kerbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is seated in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow roads.

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

Side by side

When it comes to choosing a double pushchair or pram there's plenty to consider. Whether you're buying for twins or siblings close in age, there are a number of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be set up to accommodate infants with a bassinet on top while the older toddler or infant is in the seat below.

Some models come with seats that can be reversible, meaning you can adapt the configuration to your family's requirements throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to keep your children always in your sight and also gives them the chance to interact with each other while they walk.

Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles and checkouts in shops and supermarkets because they are less bulky.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example, can be utilized in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of the Rumble seat. (PS249) It is then possible to 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.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colors and features an attractive modern style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're looking for a sleek, elegant pushchair that can be converted into a side-byside double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying age groups and is easy to fold. It's also fairly lightweight and compact, making it a great option for people with small cars or limited space for storage.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are able to change into different seating configurations to meet your changing family 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 like rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is user-friendly, but our testers felt that it was a bit 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 infants. This reduces the size of the double buggy that converts to single stroller when not in use, and makes it smaller. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's clever one-handed fold. However, it takes a bit of practice. It also feels quite nimble and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. It can be transformed from a child-facing car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet-style mode is a great option for infants.

If you're looking to expand your options Consider a convertible that has dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a small double travel stroller buggy that can hold two children in a row, but it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It is responsive and nimble, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light like 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

Convertible double strollers are a great alternative for parents who have one child and are expecting the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal to sleep at night). 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 large UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised so that the older child can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

Cher said that the one downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset because it's easy to move and comes with plenty of storage space with two cup holders for parents and their children seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated the fact that the seats are convertible, which means they can be set to face each other for siblings who want to talk and interact when out and about.

A lighter-weight but just as impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs, is super compact and features a self-standing fold, making it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the affordable price. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as much as some other models we've tested and the back seat doesn't have great visibility due to its positioning - it's raised higher than the front seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower side-by-side prams may be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. However, they're usually shorter, which means they can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.