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. Choose a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair which can be used as a single stroller once baby is born, and changed to a twin mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a wide range of choices.

Tandem

The news that you're about to have a baby is one of the most exciting events in life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation sets in, you'll be faced with a variety of options for how you can prepare your family. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also known as "in-line" double prams) are a classic style that have 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 upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Certain models let you decide if your children will look at each other or face each other. A lot of tandems offer the option of converting into a single pushchair in the event that you decide that your oldest child does not require the second seat.

In terms of cost the tandem is cheaper than a twin strollers for newborns pushchair and can be an excellent choice for parents who want 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 going up or down kerbs. It is often less stable than a twin pram, especially if the child who is older is seated at the front. A tandem can also be tricky to transport on public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good option for a single parent looking for a sleeker design however the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long when pushing. It comes with a clever frame that can be expanded to allow for the addition of the second seat, and can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes to selecting a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to consider. Whether you're buying for twins or siblings who are close in age there are plenty of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are popular choices due to the fact that they can be set up in a way that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet on top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second seat.

Some models even have seats that can be reversible, meaning you can adapt the configuration to meet the needs of your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you keep your little ones always in your sight and also gives them the an opportunity to interact with each other while they walk.

Tandem prams are often jogging or all-terrain buggies that is why they're great for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also a great option for those who have to navigate narrow supermarket isles or checkouts as they're generally smaller than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for instance, can be utilized in tandem mode from birth with the addition of a Rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can switch to the single pram mode when your little one gets used to the rumble seat or select the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to turn it into a traveler from newborn to toddler.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-by-side pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a modern style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side-byside. 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 light and compact, making it a great choice for those who have smaller vehicles or have limited space to store.

Convertible

Some of the best travel double stroller double prams or pushchairs are configured into different seats to meet your changing needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in a seat or even a third one on the seat board and have space for a shopping basket, and the ability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is also a plus. In general, convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to 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 thought it was a little heavy for the money.

Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like 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 it is not being used and makes it smaller. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's innovative one-handed fold, though it takes some time to master. It is also quite fluid and agile in spite of its size.

Another option that is affordable is an option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird single to double buggy-to-Double Stroller. The seat converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat, and the bassinet mode is a great choice for infants (although remember that babies under four months old shouldn't use strollers to sleep due to the danger of asphyxia from position).

For more flexibility, look for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can hold two 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 responsive and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as the other models we've reviewed, but it comes with a big basket that is useful for parents who have to carry bags full of toys and other items.

Lightweight

Some parents prefer to secure their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double by the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is great for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our test subjects love that they can be reclined in a variety of positions. They also love the feature that the canopy comes with a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised high to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

Cher said that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt that this was compensated for because it is easy to maneuver and has plenty of storage, including two cup holders for parents and children seats-back pockets, as well as an enormous basket underneath the seat. She also appreciated the feature that the seats are convertible, which means they can be set to face each other for siblings that want to chat and interact together when out and out and about.

A lighter, but equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 lbs, is super compact and features a self-standing fold, making it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of materials and workmanship, and the price. The only negatives are that the seats don't recline as well as other models we have tested and the rear seat isn't as prominent due to its position and height. It is higher than the front seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. 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 footpaths and in shops. However, they are often smaller, and can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.