Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A nipper Double Buggy pram can simplify life for families, particularly in busy stores or on busy streets. Pick a model with ample storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are first-time parents choose an infant pushchair twin that can be used as a single pram once baby is born, and later transformed into a twin-mode when the baby has arrived. Joolz provides a variety of these options.

Tandem

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

Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams are a classic design that has two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat is typically padded and reclines to a flat position making it suitable for newborns and the second seat is more upright and can accommodate toddlers from around three years old. Some models allow you to choose whether your children look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems also have the option of converting into a single pushchair if you decide that your child's oldest does not require the second seat.

In terms of price the tandem is cheaper than a twin strollers for newborns pushchair and can be an excellent choice for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over the kerbs. It's also less stable than twin umbrella stroller pushchairs, especially if an older child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is a fantastic choice for a single to double buggy parent who wants an attractive style. However the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It has a frame that expands 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 simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes to selecting a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to consider. There are numerous configuration options available, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, 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 at the top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second chair.

Some models have reversible seating which allow you to alter the layout of your family during the baby and toddler years. This allows you to keep your kids in sight at all times and also gives them a an opportunity to interact with one another as they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for outdoor excursions, such as to the park. They're also a good 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 example, can be used in tandem mode from birth, with the addition of the Rumble seat. (PS249) When your child grows out of the rumble chair you can switch to one pram mode. You can also choose to use the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram by Babybee is a different alternative. The side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colors and comes with an attractive modern style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your children are safe and comfy.

If you're seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-by-side double and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. 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's also fairly lightweight and therefore a good choice for those who have small cars or limited space to store.

Convertible

The best double prams or pushchairs can be made into various seats to meet your needs as they change. It is possible to fit two toddlers in the seats or a third child on the seat board and still have space for a shopping basket, and the capability to add accessories like rain covers is another benefit. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and larger than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is extremely easy to use, although our testers felt that it was a little heavy for its price.

Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not in use, and makes it smaller. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's clever one-handed fold, although it does take some practice. It's also extremely responsive and nimble in spite of its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. The seat can be converted from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great choice for infants.

For more flexibility, look for a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children in a tandem. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It is responsive and nimble and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other models we've reviewed, however it does come with a huge basket that's ideal for parents who have to carry bags of toys and food items.

Lightweight

Some parents prefer to secure their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another so a convertible option is a great option. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair with the addition of an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can recline in multiple positions. They also appreciate the fact that the canopy has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

Cher said that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset because it is easy to maneuver and offers plenty of storage space with two cup holders for parents and their children as well as seat-back pockets and a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be turned so that they face each other, which is great for siblings who like to interact and talk when they are out and out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact and features an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of materials and workmanship, and the affordable cost. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as the other models we've examined and the back seat isn't very well-lit because of its position that is higher than the front seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their slimmer design Side by side prams are more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles. They may be difficult to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. They are also smaller and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.