Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, especially in busy shopping centers or on busy streets. Choose a model that has ample storage space for nappies as well as snacks and other necessities.

Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once baby is born, and later transformed into a twin-mode after the baby is old enough. Joolz offers a range of choices.

Tandem

The news that you're expecting to have a baby is among the most exciting times in your life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation sets in, you'll be faced with many options for how to prepare your family for. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two bassinets or chairs placed side-by-side. The front seat is typically cushioned and reclines to a flat position, making it suitable for newborns while the second one is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years of age. Certain models feature reversible seating so you can choose whether your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems can be converted to one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer required to have the second seat.

A tandem is more affordable than twin prams and is an ideal choice for parents who want to save money, without compromising safety or functionality. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when negotiating curbs. It's also less stable than twin prams especially when a bigger child is in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a great option for parents who are single and want an attractive appearance. However the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It has an innovative frame that expands widthways to allow for the addition of the second seat, and it can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes to selecting a double pram or pushchair, there's a lot to think about. There are numerous configuration options to choose from, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are popular choices due to the fact that they can be configured so that the infant can sit in the bassinet at the top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second chair.

Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family throughout the infant and toddler years. This will allow you to keep your little ones always in your sights and gives them a chance to get to know one another as they walk.

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

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for instance, can be used in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of the Rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can switch to the single mode when your little one grows out of the rumble seat or select the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a traveler from infant to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another alternative. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed with a contemporary style. It is designed to be used 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 transformed into a double side-byside. It comes in a range of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings with different age groups. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also fairly light making it an ideal choice for families with smaller cars or a limited storage space.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways and some are able to change into different seating configurations to meet your family's changing needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in a seat or a third child on the seat board and have enough space for a shopping basket and the capability to add accessories such as rain covers is also a plus. Most convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they must be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is extremely user-friendly, but our testers thought it was a bit heavy for the money.

Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's unique one-handed fold, though it does take some time to master. It is also quite fluid and agile in spite of its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. It can be converted from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great choice for infants.

For more flexibility, look for a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can accommodate two children at the same time. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It feels fluid and responsive, and our test users were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs on our list however, it comes with an ample shopping basket that is ideal for parents with bags of toys and food.

Lightweight

Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy if they have one child and are expecting another so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair Maxi-Cosi Lila Duo Kit: Double Stroller - Nomad Grey - new content from www.pushchairsandprams.uk, by the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which works well to sleep at night). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers love that they can be reclined in multiple positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has an open window that can be seen from afar and has UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised high so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

Cher said that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt that this was compensated for because it's easy to move and offers plenty of storage space and cup holders for parents and children as well as seat-back pockets and a large basket under the seat. Cher also loved that seats can be flipped so that they can face each other, which is ideal for siblings who like to chat and have conversations while out and out and about.

A lighter, but equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 lbs, is super compact and has a self-standing fold, making it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the affordable price. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't very well-lit because of its position that is higher than the front seat.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that despite their narrower design, side by side prams are still larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They may be difficult to navigate through busy streets or in shops. However, they are often shorter, which means they can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.