Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify the lives of families, especially when walking on busy roads or in shops and stores. Look for a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.

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 changed to a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a variety of these options.

Tandem

The news that you're about to have to have a baby is among the most exciting events in your life. However, after the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets in, you could be faced with a myriad of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or ones. The proper stroller or pram is among the most important things to consider.

Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams are a classic design that has two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models have seats that can be reversible, so you can decide if your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems also have the option to convert into a single pushchair when you decide that your child's oldest doesn't require the second seat.

In terms of cost, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin buggy from birth pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents looking to save money but not compromising on safety or function. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over kerbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs especially when a bigger child is riding in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transportation, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is a great alternative for parents who are single and want a sleeker design. However the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It features 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 seats and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots or car seats.

Side by side

There are many things to consider when choosing a double pram or pushchair. If you're buying a double push Chair pram for twins or other siblings that are similar in age there are plenty of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams are popular choices because they can be set up so that the infant can sit in the bassinet on top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second seat.

Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family members throughout the infant and toddler years. This lets you see your children at all times and allows them to be a part of the journey while they walk.

Tandem prams are often jogging or all-terrain buggies, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They are also great for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops 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 is no longer a member of the rumble chair you can switch to one pram mode. You can also choose to use the adaptors for car capsules to transform it from a newborn to toddler travel system.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The double push chair side-by-side pram is available in a range of colors and is designed with a modern design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that is able to be converted into a double single pushchair side-by-side. It comes in a range of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings with different age groups. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also fairly lightweight and therefore a good choice for those who have smaller vehicles or have limited space for storage.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs are versatile, and some are even capable of changing seat configurations to suit your changing family needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in the seats or even a third one on the seat board and still have enough space for a shopping basket and the option to add accessories such as rain covers is another advantage. Typically, 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 convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our testers considered it to be quite heavy for the money.

Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as 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 single-handed folding impressed our test subjects, but it takes some practice. It's also very agile and responsive even despite its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double tandem pushchair stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. The seat can be transformed from a parent-facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great choice for infants.

For greater flexibility, opt for a dual-mode convertible 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 is responsive and nimble and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed, but it offers an ample shopping basket that is great for parents who carry bags of groceries and toys.

lightweight double stroller

Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy if they have a child and are expecting another so a convertible option is a good option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair a double with the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which works well to sleep at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can recline in various positions. They also like the fact that the canopy has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be elevated to provide a a standing platform for a child to climb on and off, so they can reach things in the basket of groceries.

Cher said that the one disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt that this was compensated for because it is easy to maneuver and comes with plenty of storage space and cup holders for children and parents, seat-back pockets, and a large basket under the seat. Cher also liked that seats can be flipped to be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who like to chat and have conversations when out and out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option, but still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is lightweight, and has an auto-standing fold, making it easy to transport or store in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the cost. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as far as some other models we've examined and the rear seat isn't as well-lit because of its position as it's higher than the front seat.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It's worth bearing in mind that, despite their slimmer design, side by side prams are still larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They can be tricky to navigate on busy footpaths or in stores. However, they're generally shorter too, so are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.