Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in bustling shops or on busy streets. Find a model that has ample storage space to store nappies, snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are first-time parents choose a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and later converted into a twin mode once he or she has arrived. Joolz offers a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting experiences. However, after the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets in, you could be faced with a variety of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or one. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design that has two bassinets or chairs placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as 3 years. Some models come with reversible seating so you can decide if your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems also have the option of being converted into a single pushchair in the event that you decide that your oldest child no longer needs the second seat.

In terms of cost it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and is a great option for parents who want to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. However, the drawback of a tandem double stroller is that it can feel long and heavy to steer especially when going up or down kerbs. It is usually less stable than a twin pushchair, especially if the child with the most weight is seated in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to fit onto public transport and is difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a fantastic option for parents with one child who want a sleeker appearance. However, the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It has a clever frame that expands in width to allow the addition of the second seat, and it is compatible with many combinations of carrycots, buggy seats and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a range of car seats or carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram there's a lot to consider. Whether you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age, there are a number of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice because they can be arranged to accommodate infants in a bassinet at the top while the older infant or toddler sits in the second seat below.

Certain models come with reversible seats that let you customize the configuration for your family members throughout the infant and toddler years. This allows you to keep your little ones in sight at all times and gives them a chance to interact with one another as 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 great option when you have to traverse narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts as they tend to be smaller than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). Then, you can change to a single pram mode once your baby is old enough to leave the rumble seat, or use the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a traveler from newborn to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is a different alternative. The side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and features an elegant modern design. Designed to be used right from the moment of birth, you can choose to add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your baby is safe and comfy.

If you're looking for a sleek and stylish pushchair that converts into a side-byside double and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings with different age ranges. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also fairly light and compact, making it a great choice for those who have little space in their cars or don't have enough space for storage.

Convertible

Some of the best double pushchairs or prams can be configured into different seats to meet your changing needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in seats or a third rider on the seat board, and still have room for a shopping basket and the option to add accessories like rain covers is another plus. Typically, convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they are required to be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable which is very user-friendly, however our testers thought it was a bit 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 infants. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when it is not used. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's clever one-handed fold, though it takes a bit of practice. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite it being bigger than cheap double pushchair strollers.

Another affordable option is an option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat can be converted from a child-facing car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet-style mode makes it a great option for infants.

To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that can hold two children in a tandem. It can also be used to create a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It's fluid and responsive, and our test users loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed however, it comes with an enormous shopping basket that is great for parents who carry bags full of toys and food.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who have children and anticipate to have another. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair with the addition of either a toddler seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our test subjects love the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions. They also appreciate the feature that the canopy comes with a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be lifted high to offer a standing platform for a child to climb on and off, so they can reach items in the shopping basket.

Cher said that the one negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed that this was compensated for because it is easy to maneuver and offers plenty of storage space and cup holders for parents and their children as well as seat-back pockets and an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be turned so that they be positioned to face each other, which is perfect for siblings who love to talk and interact when they are out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option and still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is small 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 cost. The only drawbacks are that the seats don't recline as much compared to other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as visible due to its location - it is raised higher than the front seat.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, and comes with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that, despite their slimmer design, side by side prams are wider than tandem and in-line doubles and can be difficult to navigate through busy streets or in shops. They are also shorter, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.