Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in busy stores or on busy streets. Choose a model with ample storage space for 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 once baby is born, and then converted to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a range of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a child is one of the most exciting events in life. However, after the excitement fades and reality sinks in, you may be faced with a multitude of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double prams) are a classic style that feature two seats or pram bassinets arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is a bit higher and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Certain models feature the option of reversible seating, which lets you choose to have your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems also have the option of converting into a single pushchair if you decide your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than a twin pram and can be an excellent choice for parents looking to save money without compromising safety or functionality. 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 if an older child is riding in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is an excellent option for parents with one child who want a sleeker style. However the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It comes with a clever frame that expands in width to accommodate 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 is easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots or car seats.

Side by side

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting a double pushchair or pram. If you're buying a double pram for twins or siblings who are close in age, there are a number of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice since they can be configured to accommodate infants with a bassinet at the top, while the older toddler or infant sits in the seat below.

Some models have reversible seats that allow you to customize the seating arrangement for your family members throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to see your children at all times and gives them the chance to connect with them when they walk.

Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They are also great for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops as they are smaller.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be used in tandem mode from birth, with the addition of the Rumble seat. (PS249) It is then possible to switch to the single mode once your baby is old enough to leave the rumble seat or select the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for infant to toddler.

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colours and has an elegant modern design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can also include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're seeking a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a side-byside double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It comes in a range of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age ranges. It's also easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight double buggy and therefore a great choice for those with small cars or limited storage space.

Convertible

The best double prams or pushchairs can be 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 for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. In general, convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs because they must be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very inexpensive convertible that is very easy to use. However, our test participants considered it to be somewhat heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. The City Select's clever, one-handed folding impressed our testers however it requires some practice. It's also very fluid and agile, despite its size.

Another option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. The seat converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat, and the bassinet mode is a fantastic option for infants (although remember that babies under 4 months old should not sleep in strollers because of the danger of asphyxia from position).

If you're looking to expand your options look into a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can fit 2 children side by side, but it can also be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It is nimble and agile, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as the other models on our list, however it does come with a huge basket that is useful for parents who have to carry bags full of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double pushchair if they have one child and are expecting another so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double by the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well for sleeping at night). The seats are extremely comfortable and our test subjects love 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 also be lifted high to offer an elevated platform for the older child to climb off and on so they can reach items in the basket of groceries.

The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher believed that this was offset by its ease to maneuver and how large the storage area is, with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. She also liked the seat's design, which is convertible, which means they can be placed to face one another for siblings who wish to talk and interact while out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact and features self-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the affordable price. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've tried and the rear seat doesn't have great visibility due to its positioning - it's raised higher than the front seat.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It's slim, sleek, and easy to steer and comes with an unbeatable lifetime warranty. Although they are narrower than side-by-side strollers, they can be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they are often shorter, which means they can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.