Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair can simplify the lives of families, especially when walking on busy roads or in the shops and stores. 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 pushchair that is future-proof and can be used both as a single stroller double when baby is born, and then changed to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz provides a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is among the most exciting events in life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will have to make a number of decisions regarding how to prepare your family. The right pram or stroller is one of the most crucial considerations.

Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is more upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models come with the option of reversible seating, which lets you choose to have your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems can be made into a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

In terms of cost the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be a great choice for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or function. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it may feel long and heavy to steer, especially when you're bumping up or down kerbs, and it is often less stable than a twin pram particularly if the older child is sitting in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is an excellent choice for parents who are single and want an elegant style. However, the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It has an innovative frame that can be expanded to allow the addition of the second seat, and is compatible with many combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is 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. If you're buying for twins or siblings close in age there are plenty of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice since they can be arranged to accommodate infants with a bassinet at the top while the older infant or toddler sits in the lower seat below.

Certain models come with reversible seats that allow you to customize the seating arrangement for your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to see your children at all times, and allows them to interact while they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are great for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They're also a good option when you have to traverse narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts because they're generally more compact than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram from birth in dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). When your child grows out of the rumble chair you can change to one pram mode. You can also choose to use the adaptors for car capsules to transform it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is a different alternative. The side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and features an elegant modern design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can also include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side-by-side. It comes in a range of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It's also easy to fold. It's also quite light and therefore an ideal option for those with smaller cars or a limited storage space.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are able to change into different seat configurations to suit your family's changing needs. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats, with enough space to carry a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers double are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our test participants found it to be a bit heavy for the price.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not being used and makes it smaller. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's clever one-handed fold, although it takes some practice. It's also extremely agile and responsive even despite its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. The seat converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet-style mode is a fantastic option for infants (although remember that babies under 4 months old should never be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of positional asphyxia).

To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact luxury double stroller stroller that can accommodate two children in a tandem. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It is fluid and agile, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs in our list however it does come with an ample shopping basket that is ideal for parents with bags of toys and food.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another so a convertible option is a great option. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair by the addition of either a toddler 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 love the fact that both recline to different positions, feature built-in foot and leg supports and large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised to provide a standing platform for a child to get off and on so they can reach things in the shopping basket.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher believed that it was balanced by how easy it is to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage area is, with two hanging child and parent cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and an enormous underseat basket. Cher also liked that seats can be flipped so that they can face each other. This is ideal for siblings who want to interact and talk when out and out and about.

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

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that despite their narrower design Side by side prams are wider than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate through crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they are often smaller, and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.