Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram or pushchair will simplify life for families, particularly on busy streets or in the shops and stores. Choose a model with generous storage space for stowing 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 transformed into a twin-mode once he or she is old enough. Joolz provides a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting experiences. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you will be faced with many options for how to prepare your family. The right pram or stroller is one of the most crucial considerations.

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 is typically padded and reclines to a flat position, making it suitable for infants and the second seat is more upright and can accommodate toddlers up to three years old. of age. Some models allow you to select whether your children stare at each other or outwards. Many tandems also have the option of converting into a single pushchair in the event that you decide your oldest child no longer needs the second seat.

In terms of cost it is cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be an excellent choice for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or function. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it can be heavy and long to steer, especially when you're bumping up or down kerbs, and it is usually less stable than a twin strollers for newborns pram particularly if the older child is seated at the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a singleton parent who is looking for something that is sleek, but the tandem mode can make it feel quite long and heavy when pushing. It comes with an innovative frame that expands widthways to accommodate the second seat, and is compatible with many combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a range of car seats or carrycots.

Side by side

There are many aspects to consider when choosing a double pram or pushchair. If you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age, there are a number of configuration options to take into account. 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 is able to sit in the bassinet at the top while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.

Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and allows them to interact as they walk.

Tandem prams are typically jogging buggies or all-terrain ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a good choice for those who have to navigate narrow supermarket isles or checkouts as they are generally smaller than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for instance, can be used in tandem mode from birth, with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can switch to the single pram mode once your child is old enough to leave the rumble seat or select the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to turn it into a traveler from newborn to toddler.

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

If you're seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can be converted into a side-byside double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It is available in a variety of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It is also super-easy to fold. It's also fairly lightweight and therefore a good option for those with small double stroller cars or limited space to store.

Convertible

Some of the best double prams or pushchairs are configured into different 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 room for shopping bags. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers tend to be larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is extremely user-friendly, but our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for the money.

Some double pushchair strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not being used. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our testers however it requires some practice. It's also very agile and responsive in spite of its size.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-double infant stroller Stroller. It can be converted from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet-style mode is a great option for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should never sleep in strollers because of the danger of asphyxia from position).

If you're looking to expand your options Consider a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that can hold two children in a tandem. It can also be used to create a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It is responsive and nimble, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as the other models on our list, but it comes with a big basket that's ideal for parents who have to carry bags full of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Some parents prefer to secure their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a good option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into a double to single buggy with the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal for overnight sleeping). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and adore the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions, have built-in foot and leg supports and large UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher found that this was offset by how easy it is to maneuver and how large the storage space is with two hanging parent and child cup holders, seat-back pockets and an enormous underseat basket. She also appreciated the seat's design, which is adjustable, meaning they can be placed to face one another for siblings that want to talk and interact while out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact, and has self-standing fold, making it simple to transport or store in your trunk. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, as well as the cost. The only negatives are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we have tested and the rear seat is not as well-lit due to its position - it is raised higher than the seat in front.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. 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 streets and in shops. However, they're generally shorter, which means they can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.