Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can simplify life for families, particularly in busy stores or on busy streets. 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 when baby is born, and transformed into a twin-mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a variety of these options.

Tandem

The news that you're about to have a baby is one of the most exciting moments in life. However, after the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets in, you may be faced with a myriad of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. The right pram or stroller is among the most crucial considerations.

Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a classic design with two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is more upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Certain models let you select whether your children stare at each other or look outwards. Many tandems have the option of converting into a single pushchair in the event that you decide your oldest child does not require the second seat.

A tandem is cheaper than twin prams and can be a great option for parents who wish to save money without compromising safety or functionality. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when bumping over curbs. It is also less stable than twin prams especially when a bigger child is in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to fit onto public transport and can be difficult to navigate on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is a great alternative for parents with one child who want a sleeker design. However the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It has an expanded frame that increases in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of buggy seats, car seats, and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

There are many aspects to consider when choosing a double pushchair or pram. There are many configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are popular choices as they can be configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet on top while the older toddler or infant is in the lower seat below.

Some models even have seats that can be reversible, meaning you can alter the seating arrangement to your family's requirements throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times and allows them to interact when they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also a good option for those who have to navigate narrow supermarket isles or checkouts as they tend to be more compact than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram from birth in the dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). Then, you can switch to the single mode when your little one grows out of the rumble seat or select the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system from newborn to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another option. The side-by-side double Pram stroller pram is available in a range of colours and has a beautiful modern style. Designed to be used from birth, you can 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 range of infant and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying age groups. It's also easy to fold. It's also lightweight, making it a good option for people with smaller vehicles or have limited space for storage.

Convertible

Some of the best double pushchairs or prams can be made into various seats to accommodate your changing needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, and still have enough space for shopping bags. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers double strollers tend to be larger and heavier than single pushchairs, as they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable which is very easy to use, although our test subjects felt it was a little heavy for the price.

Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not being used. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's clever one-handed fold, though it takes some practice. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than double strollers.

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

For more flexibility, look for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can fit two children in a row however 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 on our list however, it comes with an ample shopping basket that is ideal for parents with bags of groceries and toys.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who have a child and expect another. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair, with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and adore the fact that they both recline to different positions, feature built-in foot and leg supports and have UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

Cher said that the one disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed that this was compensated for because it is easy to maneuver and has plenty of storage, including two cup holders for parents and children seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket under the seat. She also liked the fact that the seats are adjustable, meaning they can be set to face one another for siblings who wish to talk and get together when out and 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 compact, and has self-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the cost. The only negatives are that the seats don't recline as much compared to other models we have tested and the rear seat isn't as well-lit due to its location - it is raised higher than the front seat.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It's slim, sleek, easy to steer and comes with a lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller than side-by-side strollers, they can be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they are often smaller, and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.