Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in bustling stores or on busy streets. Choose a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks, and other essentials.

Some first-time parents choose a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and changed to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting to have a baby is among the most exciting times in your life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you will have to make a number of choices regarding how you can prepare your family. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design with two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat is usually covered in padding and reclines to a flat position making it suitable for infants while the second one is more upright and can accommodate toddlers from around three years old. Some models let you 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 your oldest child no longer needs the second seat.

In terms of price the tandem is cheaper than a best twin stroller pushchair, and is a great option for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or functionality. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs especially when a bigger child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transportation, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a single parent who wants something streamlined however, the tandem mode can make it feel large and heavy when pushing. It has an innovative 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 seats and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

There are many things to think about when selecting a double pram buggy pram or pushchair. There are a variety of configuration options available, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are popular choices as they can be configured to accommodate infants with a bassinet at the top, while the larger infant or toddler sits in the seat below.

Some models even have seats that can be reversible, meaning you can adapt the configuration to your family's requirements throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to see your children at all terrain double stroller times and gives them the chance to interact while they walk.

Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a good option for those who have to navigate narrow supermarket isles or checkouts, as they are generally more compact than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example, can be used in tandem mode right from birth, but with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) When your child grows out of the rumble chair you can switch to one pram mode. You can also choose to make use of the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another option. This double side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed with a modern style. It is designed to be used from the moment of birth, you can choose to add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable.

If you're looking for a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a side-by-side double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It is available in a variety of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age ranges. It is also super-easy to fold. It's also fairly light, making it a good option for people with small cars or limited space to store.

Convertible

Some of the top double prams or pushchairs are made into various seats to accommodate your changing needs. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in seats or even a third one on the seat board, and still have space for a shopping basket, and the option to add additional accessories such as rain covers is also a advantage. Convertible double strollers tend to be larger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible that is extremely easy to use, although our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not in use, and makes it smaller. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our test subjects, but it takes some time to master. It's also very nimble and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. The seat converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, and the bassinet mode is a fantastic option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should not be able to sleep in strollers due to the danger of asphyxia from position).

If you're looking to expand your options Consider a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy which can accommodate 2 children side by side and can be used as a tandem by the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It feels agile and responsive, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as 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 already have one child and are expecting another. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair with the addition of either an infant seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our test subjects love the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised high to allow the child of a higher age can Sit N Stand double stroller on it to reach the basket of shopping.

Cher stated that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset by the fact that it is easy to move and has plenty of storage and cup holders for parents and children seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket under the seat. Cher also liked that seats can be flipped so that they can face each other, which is ideal for siblings who like to chat and have conversations while out and about.

A lighter, but equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 lbs. It is compact and has an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the affordable price. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as the other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't very well-lit due to its positioning - it's raised higher than the front seat.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. Although they are 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 are also smaller and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.