Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A good double pram or pushchair can simplify family life, especially when walking on busy roads or in the shops and stores. Look for a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other essentials.

Some first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once bub is born and then changed into a twin mode after the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of these options.

Tandem

The news that you're about to have a baby is one of the most exciting events in life. But, once the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets in, you may be faced with a multitude of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or ones. The best stroller or pram is among the most important considerations.

Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double pram buggy prams) are a timeless design that feature two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second hand double buggy seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models come with reversible seating so you can decide if your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems also have the option of being converted into a single pushchair when 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 who want to save money, but not compromise on safety or function. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchair from birth pushchairs, especially if an older child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to transport on public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a great alternative for parents with one child who want an elegant appearance. However, the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It's got an expanded frame that increases in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes to selecting a double pushchair or pram, there's a lot to think about. There are many configuration options available, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be arranged to fit infants in a bassinet at the top, while the older toddler or infant is in the lower seat below.

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

Tandem prams are usually jogging or all-terrain buggies, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. These are also good for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets as they are smaller.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be utilized in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of the rumble seat. (PS249) You can then change to a single pram mode once your child gets used to the rumble seat, or use the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to turn it into a travel system from newborn to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another option. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed with a contemporary style. 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 and elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-by-side double pram and pushchair then the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It is available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different age groups. It's also incredibly easy to fold. It's also fairly light and therefore an ideal option for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are able to change into different seat configurations to suit your changing family needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats and still have enough space for shopping bags. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our test participants thought it was somewhat heavy for the price.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's clever one-handed fold. However, it takes some practice. It's also quite agile and agile, despite being larger than other double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. It can be transformed from a parent-facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet-style mode is a great option for infants.

For more flexibility, look for a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy which can accommodate two children side-by-side however it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It is nimble and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs on our list however, it comes with a large shopping basket which is ideal for parents with bags full of toys and food.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who already have one child and are expecting another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair a double with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is great to sleep 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 support and generous UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised high so that the older child can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

Cher said that the one disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt that this was compensated for because it's easy to move and comes with plenty of storage space, including two cup holders for parents and their children as well as seat-back pockets and an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also loved that the seats can be reversed to be positioned to face each other, which is great for siblings who like to interact and talk while out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact and features an auto-standing fold, making it simple to transport or store in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the price is low. The only drawbacks are that the seats don't recline as much compared to other models we've tried and the rear seat is not as prominent because of its position - it is raised higher than the seat in front.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It's slim, sleek, and easy to steer, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower side-by-side prams may be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. However, they're usually shorter, which means they can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.