Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in busy stores or on busy streets. Look for a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other essentials.

Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when bub is born and then transformed into a twin-mode after the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of options.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a baby is among life's most compact double stroller exciting experiences. But, once the initial excitement wears off road double buggy and reality sinks into your life, you'll be faced with a myriad of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. The right pram or stroller is among the most important things to consider.

Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design that has two seats or bassinets placed side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Some models allow you to decide if your children will look at each other or outwards. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.

In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money but not compromising on safety or convenience. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when bumping over the kerbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is an excellent alternative for a single parent who wants an elegant style. However, the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It comes with an innovative frame that expands widthways to allow for the addition of the second seat, and it can be used with multiple combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a variety of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

There are many 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 variety of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams, are a popular options because they can be set up in a way that the infant can be seated in the bassinet on top while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.

Some models even have reversible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to meet the needs of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your little ones always in your sights and also gives them the chance to get to know each other while they walk.

Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a good choice when you have to traverse narrow supermarket isles or checkouts, as they tend to be more compact than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child is no longer a member of the rumble chair you can switch to the single pram mode. You may also opt to make use of the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double tandem pushchair side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed with a contemporary style. The design is intended to be used from the moment of birth, you can choose to add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your children are safe and comfy.

If you're seeking a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a double-sided side-by-side, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It comes in a range of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different ages. It's also incredibly easy to fold. It's also lightweight and compact, making it a great choice for those who have smaller vehicles or have limited space to store.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are able to change into different seating arrangements to meet the changing needs of your family. You can fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, and still have room for shopping bags. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they must be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use, although our testers thought it was a bit heavy for the money.

Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not used. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's innovative one-handed fold, although it requires some practice. It's also very responsive and nimble, despite its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It can be transformed from a child-facing car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature makes it a great option for infants.

If you're looking for more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy which can accommodate two children side-by-side and can be used as a tandem by the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It feels nimble and responsive, and our test users were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs on our list, but it offers an ample shopping basket that is handy for parents carrying bags full of groceries and toys.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who already have a child and expect the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair with the addition of either an infant seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our testers were pleased with how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that they both recline to different positions, come with built-in leg and foot support and generous UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be lifted high to offer a standing platform for the older child to climb off and on, to allow them to access items in the shopping basket.

Cher stated that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset by the fact that it is easy to move and comes with plenty of storage space and cup holders for parents and children seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket underneath the seat. She also appreciated the fact that the seats are reversible, so they can be set to face one another for siblings who want 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 only 18 pounds, is compact, and has an auto-standing fold, making it easy to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship and the low price point. The only downside 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 choice. It's slim, sleek, and easy to steer and has a lifetime warranty. While they're smaller than side-by-side strollers, they can be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. They're also shorter which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.