Choosing a double pram and pushchair - please click the next page,

A well-designed double pram or pushchair can simplify family life, especially when walking on busy roads or in stores and shops. Look for a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks, and other essentials.

Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used both as a single stroller once baby is born, and later transformed into a twin stroller side by side-mode when the baby is born. Joolz provides a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting experiences. But, once the excitement of the beginning fades and reality begins to sink in, you may be faced with a variety of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double prams) are a timeless design with 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, while the second seat is more upright and can accommodate toddlers from around three years of age. Some models allow you to select whether your children stare at each other or face each other. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.

A tandem is cheaper than a twin pram and is a great option for parents looking to save money, without losing safety or function. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it may be heavy and long to steer especially when going up or down kerbs, and it is usually less stable than a twin pram especially if the child with the most weight is seated in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to fit onto public transport and can be difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a fantastic choice for parents with one child who want an attractive style. However, the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It features an innovative frame that expands widthways to accommodate the second seat, and it can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs 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 variety of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting a double pram or pushchair. If you're buying for twins or siblings who are close in age there are a variety of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are popular options because they can be set up so that the infant can be seated in the bassinet on top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second chair.

Certain models come with reversible seats that allow you to customize the configuration for your family throughout the infant and toddler years. This will allow you to keep your little ones always in your sights and also gives them a an opportunity to interact with each other as they stroll.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for outdoor excursions, such as to the park. These are also good for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets because they are less bulky.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, 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 gets bored of the rumble seat, you can switch to a single pram mode. You can also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another option. This double pram side-by-side is available in a variety of colours and has an elegant modern design. It is designed to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're looking for a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-byside double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups and is 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 stroller double pushchairs or prams can be made into various seats to meet your needs as they change. You can fit two toddlers in a seat or even a third one on the seat board, and still have space for a basket to store your shopping, and the ability to add accessories such as rain covers is also a advantage. Typically, convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our reviewers thought it was quite heavy for the money.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This reduces the size of the smallest double buggy stroller when it is not in use, and makes it more compact. The City Select's innovative single-handed folding impressed our test participants, but it takes some practice. It is also quite agile and responsive in spite of its size.

Another option that is affordable is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird single to double stroller-to-Double Stroller. The seat 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 remember that babies under 4 months old should never use strollers to sleep due to the danger of asphyxia from position).

If you want more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can accommodate two children side-by-side. It can also be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It feels fluid and agile, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as light like some of the other models we've reviewed, but it comes with a big basket that is useful for parents who have to carry bags of toys and food items.

Lightweight

Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy if they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a great 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 is great for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers love that they can be reclined in various positions. They also like the fact that the canopy has an open window that can be seen from afar and has UPF 50+ protection. 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 drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher felt this was overcome by its ease to maneuver and how large the storage space is, with two hanging child and parent cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat storage basket. She also liked the feature that the seats are reversible, so they can be placed to face each other for siblings who want to talk and get together when out and out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 lbs, is super compact and has a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the low price point. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as much as some other models we've examined, and the rear seat doesn't have great visibility because of its position - it's raised higher than the front seats.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek, easy to steer, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Although they are smaller, side-by-side prams can still be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they're usually smaller, and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.