Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

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

Some parents who are first-time parents choose a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once baby is born, and later transformed into a twin-mode after the baby is old enough. Joolz offers a range of options.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a baby is among life's most exciting experiences. But, once the excitement fades and the reality sets in, you may be faced with a myriad of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. One of the most important considerations is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double buggy newborn prams) are a classic design that have two seats or pram bassinets arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is more upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Certain models feature the option of reversible seating, which lets you decide if your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems also have the option to convert into a single pushchair if you decide that your child's oldest doesn't require the second seat.

In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money without compromising on safety or functionality. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it may be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer especially when bumping up or down kerbs. It is generally less stable than a twin pushchair, particularly if the older child is seated at the front. A tandem can also be tricky to transport on public transport and can be difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a singleton parent who is looking for something that is sleek however the tandem mode can make it feel quite large and heavy when pushing. It has an expanded frame that increases in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at one time or in separate). 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 by side double stroller

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a double pram or pushchair. There are numerous configuration options available, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams are popular options because they can be set up in a way that the infant can sit in the bassinet on top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second chair.

Some models have reversible seating which allow you to alter the configuration for your family during the infant and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all terrain double stroller times, and gives them the chance to interact as they walk.

Tandem prams are usually all terrain double stroller-terrain buggies or jogging ones that is why they're great for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops because they are less bulky.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for instance, can be used in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can change to a single pram mode when your little one gets used to the rumble seat or select the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system from infant to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another alternative. This double pram side-by-side is available in a range of colours and has an elegant modern design. Designed to be used right from the moment of birth, you can add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're looking for a sleek, elegant pushchair that can be converted into a side-by-side double and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat combinations to cater for twins or siblings of various ages and is super-easy to fold. It is also relatively lightweight, making it a good choice for those who have small cars or limited space for storage.

Convertible

Some of the top double prams or pushchairs are set up to meet your needs as they change. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats with enough space for a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be able 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 the money.

Some convertible Double Buggy Converts To Single strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not in use and makes it smaller. The City Select's clever, one-handed folding impressed our testers but it does require some practice. It's also extremely agile and responsive even despite its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. The seat converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, and the bassinet mode is a fantastic option for infants (although remember that babies under 4 months old should never use strollers to sleep due to the risk of positional asphyxia).

For greater flexibility, opt for a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small 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 fluid and responsive, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as the other models on our list but it has a large basket that is useful for parents carrying bags of toys and other items.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers double strollers are an excellent option for parents who have a child and expect another. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair with the addition of either a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our testers were pleased with how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that they both recline to different positions, come with built-in leg and foot supports and large UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised so that the child who is older 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 this was overcome by its ease to maneuver and how large the storage space is, with two hanging child and parent cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat basket. Cher also liked that the seats can be turned so that they be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who love to interact and talk 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 features a self-standing fold, making it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, and the affordable cost. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as some other models we've examined and the back seat isn't as well-lit because of its position as it's higher than the front seats.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller side-by-side prams may be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. However, they are often shorter too, so can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.