Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in busy shopping centers or on busy streets. Select a model that offers plenty of storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.

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

Tandem

The news that you're about to have the birth of a child is one of the most exciting times in life. But, once the excitement fades and reality sinks in, you may be faced with a myriad of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the best pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two seats or bassinets placed side by side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is more upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Certain models let you choose whether your children look at each other or look outwards. A lot of tandems offer the option to convert into a single pushchair if you decide that your child's oldest doesn't require the second seat.

A tandem is more affordable than twin prams and can be a great option for parents who wish to save money, but without losing safety or function. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it may be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, particularly when going up or down kerbs, and it is generally less stable than a twin pram particularly if the older child is seated at the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is an excellent option for parents with one child who want an elegant style. However, the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It comes with a clever frame that can be expanded to accommodate 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 in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's simple to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

There are many aspects to think about when selecting a double pushchair or pram. If you're buying a Luxury Double stroller pram for twins or other siblings that are similar in age there are a variety of configuration choices to think about. 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 sit in the bassinet at the top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.

Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family during the toddler and baby years. This lets you keep your kids in sight at all times and also gives them a chance to interact with one another as they walk.

Tandem prams are typically all-terrain buggies or jogging ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They are also great for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets because they are less bulky.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example, can be utilized in tandem mode from birth with the addition of the Rumble seat. (PS249) When your child grows out of the rumble seat, you can change to the single pram mode. You can also opt to use the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The double side-by-side pram is available in a variety of colors and is designed with a modern design. It is designed 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 children are comfortable and safe.

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side-by-side. It is available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different ages. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also lightweight and therefore a good choice for those who have small cars or limited space for storage.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are able to change into different seating configurations to meet the changing needs of your family. You can fit two toddlers in a seat or a third child on the seat board, and still have space for a shopping basket, and the ability to add accessories such as rain covers is another benefit. Convertible double pram pushchair strollers are generally heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs because they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible which is very user-friendly, but our testers thought it was a bit heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's clever one-handed fold, though it requires some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double buggy that converts to single strollers.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet option is a great choice for infants (although remember that babies under 4 months old should never be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).

If you're looking to expand your options Consider a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can hold 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's nimble and responsive and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs in our list, but it offers a large shopping basket which is handy for parents carrying bags of groceries and toys.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy when 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 double with the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which is great to sleep at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love the fact that they can recline in various positions. They also like the design of the canopy, which has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised high so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

Cher said that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed that this was compensated for because it is easy to maneuver and offers plenty of storage space and cup holders for children and parents seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket under the seat. She also appreciated the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be set to face each other for siblings who wish to talk and interact while 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 small, and has a self standing fold, making it simple to transport or store in your trunk. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, and the cost. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as much as some other models we've tested and the back seat doesn't have great visibility because of its position that is higher than the front seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. Although they are smaller, side-by-side prams can still be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. However, they are often shorter too, so can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.