Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in bustling shopping centers or on busy streets. Choose a model with generous storage space for stowing 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 pram once baby is born, and later converted into a twin mode when the baby is old enough. 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, after the excitement of the beginning fades and reality sinks in, you could be faced with a multitude of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

tandem double stroller prams, also referred to as "in-line" double stroller with bassinet prams, are a classic design that has two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as 3 years. Certain models feature reversible seating so you can choose to have your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

In terms of cost the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money without compromising on safety or function. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it could be heavy and long to steer especially when bumping up or down kerbs. It is often less stable than a twin pram especially if the child who is older 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 image-conscious model that's a great choice for a single parent looking for a sleeker design however the tandem mode can make it feel quite heavy and long when pushing. It comes with an innovative frame that expands widthways 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 a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight double buggy tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes time to choose a double pram or pushchair 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 a popular choices because they can be set up so that the infant can sit in the bassinet on top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second chair.

Some models have reversible seats that allow you to customize the configuration for your family members throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and gives them the chance to interact while they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are great for outdoor excursions, such as to the park. They're also a great option for those who have to navigate narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets as they're generally smaller than single-seaters.

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). You can then switch to the single pram mode once your baby gets used to the rumble seat or choose the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to turn it into a travel system for newborn to toddler.

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double pram side-by-side is available in a range of colours and has a beautiful 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 elegant pushchair that is able to be converted into a double side by side. It's available in a variety of infant seat and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of various age groups and is easy to fold. It's also quite light, which makes it an ideal option for those with smaller cars or a limited storage space.

Convertible

The best double prams or pushchairs are configured into different seats to accommodate your changing needs. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats, and still have room for a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and larger than single pushchairs because they need 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 bit heavy for the money.

Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for babies. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it smaller. The City Select's innovative folding system that is one-handed impressed our test participants however it requires some time to master. It's also very nimble and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, and the bassinet mode is a great option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under four months old shouldn't use strollers to sleep due to the risk of positional asphyxia).

If you want more flexibility Consider a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children at the same time. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It's nimble and responsive and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as some of the other models on our list however it does come with a huge basket that's ideal for parents who are carrying bags full of toys and other items.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy if they have one child and are expecting another so a convertible option is a good option. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair with the addition of an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our test subjects were impressed by the comfort of the seats and loved the fact that they both recline to different positions, feature built-in foot and leg supports and generous UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised high to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher found that it was overcome by how easy it is to move around and how big the storage area is, with two hanging parent and child cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as an enormous underseat basket. Cher also appreciated that seats can be flipped so that they can be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who love to interact and talk when they are out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs just 18 pounds, is lightweight and features an auto-standing fold, making it easy to transport or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the affordable cost. The only downsides are that the seats do not recline as well as other models we have tested and the rear seat is not as visible due to its position as 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, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller, side-by-side prams can still be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They're also shorter and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.