Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A good double pram or pushchair will simplify the lives of families, especially on busy streets or in the shops and stores. Pick a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other necessities.

Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram when baby is born, and later converted into a twin mode after the baby is old enough. Joolz has a variety of options.

Tandem

The news that you're about to have to have a baby is among the most exciting times in life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation sets in, you will be faced with a variety of options for how you can prepare your family. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the best pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams are a classic design that has two seats or bassinets placed side by side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is more upright and is 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 outwards. A lot of tandems offer the option to convert into a single pushchair when you decide your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.

A tandem is more affordable than a twin pram and is an ideal choice for parents who wish to save money without compromising safety or functionality. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating curbs. It's also less stable than Hauck Uptown Duo Twin Pram - Melange Black prams particularly if a larger child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it may be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a singleton parent who is looking for something that is sleek however the tandem mode can make it feel quite heavy and long when pushing. It comes with an innovative frame that expands in width to allow 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 double stroller option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a double pram or pushchair. There are a variety of configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice since they can be configured to accommodate infants with a bassinet on top, while the older toddler or infant is in the second seat below.

Some models even feature convertible seats, which means you can modify the seating to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times and allows them to connect with them when they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are great for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets, as they are less bulky.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child gets bored of the rumble chair you can change to the single 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.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and comes with an attractive modern style. It is designed to be used from the moment of birth, you can add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're looking for a sleek, elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double-sided side-by-side, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a range of infant and carrycot configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying age groups and is easy to fold. It is also relatively lightweight, making it a good choice for those who have smaller vehicles or have limited space for storage.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways and some are capable of changing seat configurations to suit your changing family needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in seats or a third rider on the seat board and still have space for a shopping basket and the option to add additional accessories such as rain covers is another advantage. In general, convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they must be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our testers considered it to be a bit heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not used. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our testers however it requires some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.

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

If you want more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children at the same time. It can also be used to create a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. It is agile and responsive, and our test users loved 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 is useful for parents carrying bags of toys and other items.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double pushchair if they have a child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a good 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 optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleep overs). Our testers were pleased with 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 that has peekaboo windows. The rear seat can also be raised to provide an elevated platform for the child to get off and on to allow them to access items in the basket of groceries.

Cher said that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset because it is easy to maneuver and offers plenty of storage space with two cup holders for parents and their children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket under the seat. Cher also loved that the seats can be reversed so that they be positioned to face each other, which is great for siblings who love to talk and interact when out and about.

A lighter, but equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs, is super compact and features a self-standing fold, making it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship and the low price point. The only negatives are that the seats don't recline as much compared to other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as well-lit because of its position - it is raised higher than the seat in front.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It is slim, sleek, and easy to steer and has a lifetime warranty. Although they are 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. However, they are often shorter, which means they can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.