Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy streets or in the shops and stores. Find a model that has ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other essentials.

Some parents who are new to the world choose a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and transformed into a twin buggy from birth-mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a range of choices.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting times in your life. But, once the excitement fades and reality begins to sink in, you could be faced with a multitude of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or ones. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double prams) are a classic design that have two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for infants. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models allow you to decide if your children will look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems have the option to convert into a single pushchair when you decide that your oldest child does not require the second seat.

In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be a great choice for parents who want to save money, but not compromise on safety or functionality. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is riding in the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a great alternative for parents who are single and want an attractive design. However, the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It comes with an innovative frame that expands in width to allow for the addition of the second seat, and can be used with multiple combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight twin stroller tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram there's a lot to consider. There are many configuration options to choose from, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice because they can be configured to fit infants in a bassinet at the top, while the larger toddler or infant is in the seat below.

Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family members throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times and allows them to interact as they walk.

Tandem prams are usually all-terrain buggies or jogging ones that is why they're great for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a good option when you have to traverse narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets, as they tend to be 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). When your child grows out of the rumble seat, you can change to one pram mode. You can also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colours and has an attractive modern style. The design is intended to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe.

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that is able to be converted into a double side by side. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of various age groups and is easy to fold. It's also quite light making it an ideal option for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile and some are capable of changing seating arrangements to meet your changing family needs. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in a seat or a third rider on the seat board and still have room for a basket to store your shopping, and the ability to add accessories such as rain covers is a benefit. Convertible double travel stroller strollers are generally heavier and larger than single pushchairs, as they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our test participants thought it was somewhat heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it smaller. The City Select's clever, one-handed folding impressed our testers, but it takes some practice. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.

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

If you want more flexibility Consider a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can accommodate two children in a tandem. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It is nimble and agile, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as some of the other models on our list however it does come with a huge basket that's great for parents carrying bags full of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who have one child and are expecting the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair, with the addition of either an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and love the fact that can recline in a variety of positions, feature built-in foot and leg supports and have 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 downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher believed that it was overcome by the ease to maneuver and how large the storage area is, with two hanging parent and child cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat storage basket. She also appreciated the seat's design, which is adjustable, meaning they can be positioned to face one another for siblings who want to talk and get together while out and out and about.

A lighter, but equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact and has a self-standing fold, making it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, and the low cost. The only negatives are that the seats don't recline as much compared to other models we've tried and the rear seat is not as well-lit because of its position - it is raised higher than the front seat.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It is slim, sleek, easy to steer, and comes with an unbeatable lifetime warranty. While they're smaller side-by-side prams may be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They are also smaller and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.