Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair can simplify family life, especially on busy footpaths or in stores and shops. Pick a model with ample storage space for nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are first-time parents choose an infant pushchair that can be used as a single pram when baby is born, and later converted into a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz has a variety of options.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a child is among the most exciting events in life. But, once the excitement fades and the reality sets into your life, you'll be faced with a multitude of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. The right pram or stroller is among the most crucial considerations.

Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design that has two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for babies. The second seat is more upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models have reversible seating so you can choose whether your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and can be a great option for parents looking to save money, but without losing safety or function. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when you're tripping over the kerbs. It is also less stable than twin prams, especially if an older child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it may be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a great alternative for parents who are single and want an attractive appearance. However the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It features a clever frame that can be expanded 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 once or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram there's plenty to think about. There are numerous configuration options available, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be configured to accommodate infants with a bassinet at the top, while the older infant or toddler sits in the seat below.

Some models have reversible seating that allow you to customize the configuration for your family during the infant and toddler years. This allows you to keep your little ones always in your sight and also gives them the chance to interact with each other as they stroll.

Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops, as they are more compact.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be used in tandem mode right from birth, but with the addition of the rumble seat. (PS249) If your child gets bored of the rumble chair you can change to the single pram mode. You can also choose to make use of the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colors and features an attractive modern style. Designed 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 your little ones are secure and comfortable.

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-by-side. It comes in a range of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It's also incredibly easy to fold. It's also quite light making it a great choice for those with smaller cars or a limited storage space.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile, and some are even able to change into different seating configurations 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, while still having enough space to carry a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Convertible thule double stroller strollers tend to be heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible that is user-friendly, but our testers thought it was a little heavy for the price.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not in use, and makes it smaller. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's clever one-handed fold. However, it takes a bit of practice. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet option is a great choice for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should not be able to sleep in strollers due to the danger of asphyxia from position).

If you want more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow best double stroller buggy which can accommodate 2 children side by side however it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's fluid and responsive, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed however it does come with a large shopping basket which is handy for parents carrying bags of toys and food.

Lightweight

Convertible nipper double buggy strollers are a great option for parents who already have one child and are expecting 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 carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our test subjects were impressed by the comfort of the seats and loved the fact that they both recline to different positions, come with built-in leg and foot support and have UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be lifted high to offer an elevated platform for a child to climb off road double buggy and on so they can access items in the basket of groceries.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher felt this was offset by the ease to maneuver and how large the storage area is with two hanging parent and child cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and an enormous underseat basket. She also liked the fact that the seats are convertible, which means they can be placed to face each other for siblings who wish to chat and interact together while out and out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option, but still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is lightweight, and has a self standing fold, making it easy to transport or put in your trunk. Parents love the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the cost. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as other models we've tested, and the rear seat isn't as well-lit due to its position as it's higher than the front seats.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their slimmer design side by side prams are larger than tandems and in-line doubles and can be tricky to navigate on busy streets or in shops. They are also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.