Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram or pushchair will simplify life for families, particularly on busy footpaths or in shops and stores. Look for a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.

Some first-time parents opt for an infant pushchair that can be used as a single pram once baby is born. It can be changed into a twin umbrella stroller mode after the baby has arrived. Joolz offers a wide range of options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a child is one of life's most exciting experiences. However, after the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets in, you could be faced with a multitude of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams, are a classic style with two bassinets or chairs placed side-by-side. The front seat is usually padded and reclines to a flat angle, making it suitable for newborns while the second one is more upright and can be used by toddlers as young as three years old. older. Some models let you decide if your children will look at each other or face each other. Many tandems have the option to convert into a single pushchair if you decide that your child's oldest doesn't require the second seat.

In terms of price it is cheaper than a Twin stroller side by side pushchair, and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or functionality. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it can be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer especially when bumping up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is usually less stable than a twin pram especially if the child who is older is sitting in the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is an excellent alternative for parents who are single and want an attractive design. However, the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It has an innovative frame that expands widthways to accommodate the second seat, and is compatible with many combinations of carrycots, buggy seats and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes to choosing a double pushchair or pram there's a lot to think about. There are a variety of configuration options available, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet on the top, while the older toddler or infant is in the lower seat below.

Some models have reversible seats that allow you to customize the seating arrangement for your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey when they walk.

Tandem prams are typically all-terrain buggies or jogging ones that is why they're great for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops as they are smaller.

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

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colors and comes with an attractive modern style. Designed to be used right from the moment of birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-byside. It's available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It's also incredibly easy to fold. It's also lightweight and compact, making it a great option for people with small cars or limited space to store.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways and some are capable of changing seating configurations to meet your family's changing needs. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in seats or a third rider on the seat board, and still have enough space for a shopping basket, and the ability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is another plus. Convertible double 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 example of a convertible that is affordable which is very user-friendly, however our testers thought it was a little heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not being used and makes it more compact. The City Select's innovative single-handed folding impressed our test subjects, but it takes some practice. It's also very nimble and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet-style mode is a fantastic option for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should never be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).

If you're looking for more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy which can accommodate two children side-by-side, but it can also be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's responsive and agile and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as the other models on our list, but it comes with a big basket that's great for parents who are carrying bags of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy when they have a 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 with the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well to sleep at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love that they can be reclined in multiple positions. They also appreciate the fact that the canopy has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be lifted high to offer a standing platform for a child to get off and on, so they can reach things in the basket of groceries.

Cher said that the one negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed that this was compensated for because it is easy to move and has plenty of storage with two cup holders for children and parents, seat-back pockets, and a large basket underneath the seat. She also liked the fact that the seats are reversible, so they can be positioned to face each other for siblings who want to talk and interact while out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side stroller double is a smaller model however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact and features an auto-standing fold, making it easy to transport or store in your trunk. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, as well as the affordable price. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've tried and the rear seat isn't very well-lit due to its positioning as it's higher than the front seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower side-by-side prams may be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. They're also shorter which makes them more maneuverable in tight spaces.