Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A good double pram or pushchair can simplify family life, especially on busy footpaths or in the shops and stores. Pick a model with plenty of storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other essentials.

Some first-time parents opt for a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and later changed into a twin mode after the baby is old enough. Joolz provides a variety of these options.

Tandem

The news that you're expecting to have a baby is among the most exciting events in life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will be faced with many options for how to prepare your family. The right pram or stroller is one of the most important considerations.

Tandem prams, also referred 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 cushioned, reclines and is suitable for babies. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models come with the option of reversible seating, which lets you decide if your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and is a great option for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or convenience. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it may feel long and heavy to steer especially when moving up and down kerbs. It is generally less stable than a twin pushchair, especially if the child who is older is seated in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to get onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a great option for a single parent who wants a sleeker appearance. However, the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It comes with an innovative frame that expands in width to allow for the addition of the second seat, and it can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a variety of car seats or carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes to choosing a double pram or pushchair there's plenty to consider. There are numerous configuration options available, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams are popular choices due to the fact that they can be configured so that the infant can sit in the bassinet on top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.

Certain models come with reversible seats that allow you to customize the configuration for your family during the toddler and baby years. This allows you to keep your little ones always in your sights and also gives them the chance to get to know each other as they stroll.

Tandem prams are typically jogging buggies or all terrain double buggy-terrain ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets, as they are smaller.

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 seat, you can change to the single pram mode. You can also choose to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn to toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another option. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colours and has a beautiful modern style. It is designed to be used from the moment of birth, you can choose to add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your children are safe and comfy.

The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side by side. It comes in a range of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings with different age groups. It's also incredibly easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight and therefore an ideal option for those with small cars or limited storage space.

Convertible

Some of the best double prams or pushchairs can be set up to accommodate your changing needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats while still having enough space to carry shopping bags. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double buggy sale strollers are generally larger and heavier than single pushchairs, as 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 testers found it to be quite heavy for the money.

Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as 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 it is not used. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold, although it takes some practice. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite being bigger than double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double pushchairs stroller is an alternative that is affordable. It can be converted from a parent-facing infant car 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 be able to sleep in strollers due to the danger of asphyxia from position).

For more flexibility, look for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can hold two children side-by-side and can be used as a tandem by the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's nimble and responsive and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as the other models we've reviewed, but it has a large basket that's ideal for parents who are carrying bags of toys and other items.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who have one child and are expecting to have 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 ideal for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers appreciate the fact that they can recline in multiple positions. They also love the fact that the canopy has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher found that it was overcome by the ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage is equipped with two hanging child and parent cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as an enormous underseat basket. She also appreciated the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be placed to face one another for siblings who want to chat and interact together when out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs just 18 pounds, is lightweight, and has a self 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 affordable price. The only drawbacks 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 as it is higher than the seat in front.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller than side-by-side strollers double strollers, they can be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They're also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.