Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can simplify life for families, particularly in busy shops or on busy streets. Choose a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.

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

Tandem

The news that you're about to have to have a baby is among the most exciting moments in life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will have to make a number of decisions regarding how to prepare your family. The proper stroller or pram is one of the most important considerations.

Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a timeless design with two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models allow you to choose whether your children look at each other or outwards. Many tandems also have the option of being converted into a single pushchair when you decide that your child's oldest does not require the second seat.

A tandem is cheaper than a twin pram and is an excellent choice for parents looking to save money, without compromising safety or functionality. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when bumping over the kerbs. It's also less stable than twin prams particularly if a larger child is in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to get onto public transport and is difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great option for a single parent who wants something streamlined however the tandem mode can make it feel large and heavy when pushing. It comes with a clever frame that expands in width to accommodate the second seat, and it can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's simple to use and compatible with a variety of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

There are a lot of things to think about when selecting a double pram or pushchair. There are numerous configuration options to choose from, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams, are popular options because they can be set up in a way that the infant can sit in the bassinet at the top while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.

Some models even have reversible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to meet the needs of your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to keep your children always in your sight 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 trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also a good choice when you have to traverse narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets, as they tend to be smaller than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example, can be utilized in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can change to a single pram mode when your little one gets used to the rumble seat or choose the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to turn it into a travel system from infant to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another alternative. The side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and comes with a beautiful modern style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-by-side double and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It is available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different age groups. It is also super-easy to fold. It is also relatively light and therefore a good option for those with smaller vehicles or have limited space to store.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile and some are capable of changing seating configurations to meet the changing needs of your family. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats with enough space for shopping bags. Accessories like rain covers are also available. In general, convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs because they have to be able 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 little heavy for the price.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for infants. This reduces the size of the double stroller when not in use and makes it smaller. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our test participants however it requires some time to master. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite being bigger than double car seat stroller strollers.

Another option that is reasonably priced is an option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-double pushchair Stroller. 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 be aware that babies younger than four months old shouldn't use strollers to sleep due to the risk of positional asphyxia).

If you're looking for more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can fit 2 children side by side however it can also be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It's agile and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as some of the other models on our list, however it does come with a huge basket that's ideal for parents carrying bags filled with toys and food items.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have children and anticipate another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double by the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our test subjects love that they can recline in multiple positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher felt it was balanced by the ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage area is with two hanging parent and child cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as a large underseat basket. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be reversed so that they face each other. This is ideal for siblings who want to chat and have conversations when they are out and out and about.

A lighter-weight but just as impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 pounds, is extremely compact and features an auto-standing fold that makes it easy Ready To Grow Double Stroller transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, as well as the affordable cost. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as far as other models we've examined and the back seat isn't very well-lit due to its positioning - it's raised higher than the front seats.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller side-by-side prams may be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they are often shorter too, so can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.