Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in bustling stores or on busy streets. Find a model that has generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are new to the family opt for an infant pushchair that can be used as a single pram when baby is born, and later changed into a twin stroller side by Side mode once he or she has arrived. Joolz provides a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting to have a baby is among the most exciting times in life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you'll have to make a number of options for how to prepare your family for. The right pram or stroller is among the most important considerations.

Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double stroller with infant car seat prams) are a timeless design that feature two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Certain models let you choose whether your children look at each other or outwards. A lot of tandems offer the option of converting into a single pushchair in the event that you decide your oldest child does not require the second seat.

In terms of cost it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money without compromising on safety or functionality. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it can be heavy and long to steer especially when going up or down kerbs, and it is often less stable than a twin pram especially if the child who is older is seated in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to get onto public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a single parent who is looking for something that is sleek however, the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It's got frames that can be expanded in size to accommodate a second seat. It can be used with a range of combinations of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at one time or in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

There are many things to consider when choosing a double pram or pushchair. There are a variety of configuration options available, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, referred to as side-by-side prams, are popular choices due to the fact that they can be set up in a way that the infant can be seated in the bassinet in the middle while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second chair.

Some models come with reversible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to your family's requirements throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and allows them to be a part of the journey as they walk.

tandem double stroller prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops as they are less bulky.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). It is then possible to switch to the single pram mode when your little one gets used to the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for infant to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another option. This double side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed in a contemporary style. Designed to be used right from the moment of birth, you can add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (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, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a range of infant and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of various age groups and is easy to fold. It's also fairly light, which makes it a great choice for those with smaller cars or a limited storage space.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways, and some are even capable of changing seating arrangements to meet the changing needs of your family. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in the seats or a third rider on the seat board, and still have space for a shopping basket and the ability to add accessories such as rain covers is another plus. Most convertible amazon double stroller strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs because they must be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable which is very user-friendly, however our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it smaller. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's unique one-handed fold. However, it requires a bit of practice. It also feels quite nimble and agile, despite being larger than other double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller double is an alternative that is affordable. The seat converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet-style mode is a great choice for infants (although be aware that babies younger than four months old shouldn't use strollers to sleep due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).

If you're looking to expand your options look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy which can accommodate two children side-by-side and can be used as a tandem with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It is responsive and nimble and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as the other models on our list but it has a large basket that's great for parents who are carrying bags filled with toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are a great alternative for parents who have one child and are expecting the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair by the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleep overs). The seats are extremely comfortable and our test subjects love that they can be reclined in a variety of positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which 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.

Cher said that the one downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt this was offset by the fact that it is easy to move and offers plenty of storage space and cup holders for parents and their children as well as seat-back pockets and an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be turned so that they can face each other. This is ideal for siblings who want to interact and talk when they are out and out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and has a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and workmanship and the price is low. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as some other models we've tested, and the rear seat isn't as well-lit because of its position that is higher than the front seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their smaller size Side by side prams are still wider than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. They are also shorter which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.