Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram or pushchair will simplify life for families, particularly on busy streets or in stores and shops. Select a model that offers ample storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used both as a single stroller when baby is born, and transformed into a twin-mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of choices.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is among life's most exciting moments. However, once the initial excitement wears off and the reality sets in, you could be faced with a myriad of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. The proper stroller or pram is among the most important things to consider.

Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design with two bassinets or chairs placed side by side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is more upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as three years. Certain models let you select whether your children stare at each other or look outwards. A lot of tandems offer the option to convert into a single pushchair when you decide that your child's oldest doesn't require the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and is a great option for parents who want to save money, but without having to sacrifice safety or functional. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it may feel long and heavy to steer, especially when you're going up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is generally less stable than a Hauck Roadster Duo SLX - Twin Chair for Twins - Ultimate Comfort and Convenience pram especially if the child with the most weight is seated at 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 focuses on image, is an excellent choice for parents with one child who want an attractive design. However, the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It has a clever frame that can be expanded to allow for the addition of the second seat, and can be used with multiple combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a variety of carrycots or car seats.

Side by side

When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram, there's a lot to think about. If you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age there are a variety of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams (also called side by sides 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 seating which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family members throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you see your children at all times, and gives them the chance to connect with them as they walk.

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

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

The Side by Side Pram by Babybee is a different option. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed with a contemporary design. It is designed to be used from birth, you can also include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're looking for a sleek and elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double-sided side-by-side, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a variety of infant seat and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of different ages and is super-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 or pushchairs are configured into different seats to meet your needs as they change. You can fit up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, while still having room for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Typically, convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they are required to be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our testers found it to be a bit heavy for the money.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not used. The City Select's innovative folding system that is one-handed impressed our testers but it does require some practice. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. The seat can be transformed from a child-facing car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great option for infants.

For greater flexibility, opt for a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact COSTWAY Double Seat Twin Tandem Pushchair Sale buggy which can accommodate two children side-by-side and can 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 light as the other pushchairs in our list however, it comes with a large shopping basket which is handy for parents carrying bags full of groceries and toys.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who have a child and expect the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair, with the addition of either a toddler seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleep overs). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and love the fact that can recline in a variety of positions, feature built-in foot and leg supports and have UPF 50+ canopies with peekaboo windows. The rear seat can also be elevated to provide a an elevated platform for the older child to climb off and on to allow them to reach things in the basket of groceries.

The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher found that this was overcome by how easy it is to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage area is, with two hanging parent and child cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. Cher also appreciated that seats can be flipped to face each other. This is perfect for siblings who like to chat and have conversations when they are out and out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option, but still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact, and has self-standing fold, making it easy to transport or store in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the price is low. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as some other models we've tried and the back seat doesn't have great visibility due to its positioning as it's higher than the front seats.

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