Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A good double pram or pushchair can simplify life for families, particularly on busy streets or in the shops and stores. Choose a model that has plenty of storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other necessities.

Some parents who are new to the world choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and converted to a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting to have a baby is among the most exciting times in your life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation sets in, you will have to make a number of choices regarding how to prepare your family. The proper stroller or pram 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 seats placed side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is more upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models let you select whether your children stare at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer required to have the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and can be a great option for parents looking to save money without losing safety or function. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over curbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is riding in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a singleton parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel large and heavy when pushing. It has a clever frame that expands widthways to allow for the addition of the second seat, and it is compatible with many combinations of buggy seats, carrycots 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 range of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes to selecting a double pushchair or pram there's plenty to consider. If you're buying a double pram for twins or siblings close in age, there are a number of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet on the top, while the older toddler or infant sits in the lower seat below.

Some models have reversible seats that let you customize the seating arrangement for your family during the baby and toddler 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 trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also a great option if you need to brave narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts because they tend to be smaller than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram from birth in the dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). When your child grows out of the rumble chair, you can switch to one pram mode. You may also opt to use the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn to toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another alternative. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed in a contemporary design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're looking for a sleek and stylish pushchair that converts into a side-byside double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a range of infant and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also lightweight and therefore a good option for people with little space in their cars or don't have enough space to store.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs double are able to be used in multiple ways and some are capable of changing seating arrangements to meet your family's changing needs. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in seats or a third rider on the seat board and have room for a shopping basket and the ability to add accessories such as rain covers is another advantage. In general, convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they are required to be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is user-friendly, but our test subjects felt it was a little heavy for the money.

Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our test subjects however it requires some time to master. It's also very fluid and agile even despite its size.

Another option that is reasonably priced is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet option is a fantastic option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should never be able to sleep in strollers due to the danger of asphyxia from position).

If you're looking to expand your options, consider a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can fit 2 children side by side, but it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It feels nimble and responsive, and our test users loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other models we've reviewed, but it has a large basket that is useful for parents who have to carry bags of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a Double Buggy Travel System pushchair by the addition of either an infant seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and loved the fact that both recline to multiple positions, have built-in leg and foot supports and large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised so that the older child can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

Cher said that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset because it's easy to move and offers plenty of storage space, including two cup holders for parents and children as well as seat-back pockets and a large basket under the seat. Cher also appreciated that seats can be flipped to face each other. This is ideal for siblings who want to interact and talk when they are out and out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs only 18 pounds, is lightweight, and has a self standing fold, making it easy to transport or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the low price. The only negatives are that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as visible because of its position and height. It is higher than the front seat.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek, easy to steer and comes with 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. They are also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.