Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A good double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially when walking on busy roads or in stores and shops. Select a model that offers ample storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other necessities.

Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used both as a single stroller once baby is born, and transformed into a twin-mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of choices.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting moments in life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you will be faced with a variety of options for how to prepare your family. The right pram or stroller is among the most important things to consider.

Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two bassinets or chairs placed side by side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Certain models feature reversible seating so you can choose to have your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and can be an excellent choice for parents who wish to save money, without compromising safety or functionality. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when you're tripping over kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is riding in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is a great choice for parents who are single and want an attractive appearance. However the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It has an innovative frame that expands widthways to accommodate the second seat, and it is compatible with many combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes time to choose a double pram or pushchair there's plenty to think about. There are a variety of configuration options to choose from, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams, are popular choices because they can be set up in a way that the infant can sit in the bassinet in the middle while the older child or toddler is seated in the second seat.

Some models even have seats that can be reversible, meaning you can alter the seating arrangement to meet the needs of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your kids in sight at all times and also gives them the chance to interact with one another as 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 and checkouts in shops and supermarkets, as they are smaller.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram starting from birth in the dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). It is then possible to change to a single pram mode once your child is old enough to leave the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a traveler from infant to toddler.

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The double side-by-side pram is available in a variety of colors and is designed with a contemporary style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double side-by-side. It's available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different age ranges. It is also super-easy to fold. It's also light and therefore a good option for people with smaller vehicles or have limited space to store.

Convertible

Some of the best double pushchairs or prams can be configured into different seats to accommodate your changing needs. You can accommodate 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. Most convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is extremely user-friendly, but our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for the money.

Some double to single buggy strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not being used. The City Select's innovative folding system that is one-handed impressed our testers but it does require some practice. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.

Another affordable option is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted 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 convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double single pushchair stroller that can accommodate two children side-by-side. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It is responsive and nimble and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs on our list however it does come with a large shopping basket which is ideal for parents with bags of toys and food.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who already have children and anticipate another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double with the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers love that they can recline in multiple 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 be raised to provide a standing platform for the older child to climb off and on so that they can reach things in the basket of groceries.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher found that this was balanced by the ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage space is with two hanging child and parent cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and an enormous underseat basket. Cher also appreciated the fact that the seats are adjustable, meaning they can be placed to face each other for siblings that want to talk and get together while out and about.

A lighter-weight but just as impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact twin stroller and has a self-standing fold, making it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the low price. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as much as the other models we've examined and the back seat isn't very well-lit due to its positioning that is higher than the front seats.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their slimmer design, side by side prams are larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They may be difficult to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they're usually shorter too, so can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.