Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

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

Some parents who are first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram when bub is born and then changed into a twin umbrella stroller mode once he or she is born. Joolz offers a range of options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting the birth of a child is one of the most exciting moments in life. However, once the excitement fades and reality sinks in, you could be faced with a myriad of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams are a classic design that has two bassinets or chairs placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for babies. The second seat is upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as three years old. Some models come with seats that can be reversible, so you can choose whether your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems have the option of converting into a single pushchair in the event that you decide that your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.

A tandem is more affordable than a twin pram and can be an excellent choice for parents who wish to save money, without having to sacrifice safety or functional. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating curbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is riding in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to get onto public transport and can be difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is an excellent option for parents with one child who want a sleeker appearance. However the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy to push. It features a clever frame that expands widthways to accommodate the second seat, and it can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, buggy seats and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

There are many things to think about when selecting a double pram or pushchair. If you're buying 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 options because they can be set up so that the infant can sit in the bassinet in the middle while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second seat.

Some models even feature convertible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to meet the needs of your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This will allow you to keep your little ones always in your sight and also gives them a an opportunity to interact with each other while they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for outdoor excursions, such as to the park. These are also good for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets because they are smaller.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for instance, can be utilized in tandem mode from birth, with the addition of an Rumble seat. (PS249) If your child is no longer a member of the rumble seat, you can change to one pram mode. You can also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn to toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram by Babybee is another alternative. This double side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a contemporary design. The design is intended to be used right from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is safe and comfy.

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side by side. It's available in a variety of carrycot and infant seat combinations to cater for twins or siblings of varying age groups and is easy to fold. It's also fairly light, which makes it a great choice for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.

Convertible

Some of the top double infant stroller prams or pushchairs are set up to accommodate your changing needs. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats with enough space to carry a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers tend to be larger and heavier than single pushchairs, as they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is extremely easy to use, although our testers felt that it was a little heavy for the money.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. The City Select's innovative folding system that is one-handed impressed our test participants but it does require some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. It can be converted from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great option for infants.

If you're looking for more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that is able to accommodate two children side-by-side. It can also be used to make a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. It is fluid and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight double stroller like some of the other models we've reviewed, however it does come with a huge basket that's great for parents who are carrying bags filled with toys and food items.

Lightweight

Some parents prefer to secure their double pushchair buggy if they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into a double with the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well for sleeping at night). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can be reclined in a variety of positions. They also love the feature that the canopy comes with a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be lifted high to offer a standing platform for a child to get off and on, to allow them to access items in the shopping basket.

The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher felt it was offset by how easy it is to move around and how big the storage area is with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. She also liked the feature that the seats are adjustable, meaning they can be positioned to face one another for siblings who want to talk and get together while out and out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 lbs, is super compact and has an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the affordable cost. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as the other models we've tested and the back seat isn't as well-lit due to its position - it's raised higher than the front seats.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It's worth bearing in mind that, despite their slimmer design Side by side prams remain more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate through busy footpaths or in stores. They are also smaller, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.