Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy streets or in the shops and stores. Select a model that offers plenty of storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.

Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair that can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and then transformed into a twin-mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a range of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is among the most exciting events in life. However, after the excitement of the beginning fades and reality sinks in, you may be faced with a variety of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or one. The proper stroller or pram is among the most crucial considerations.

Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams, are a classic style with two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to fit toddlers as young as 3 years. Some models have reversible seating so you can decide if 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 in need of the second seat.

In terms of price, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or functionality. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it could feel long and heavy to steer especially when moving up and down kerbs, and it is generally less stable than a twin pram especially if the child who is older is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is an excellent choice for a single parent who wants an attractive appearance. However the tandem mode can make it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It has a clever frame that expands in width to accommodate the second seat, and it is compatible with many combinations of carrycots, buggy seats and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

There are many things to think about when selecting a double pushchair or pram. There are numerous configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are popular choices as they can be arranged to accommodate infants in a bassinet on the top, while the larger toddler or infant sits in the seat below.

Some models even feature seats that can be reversible, meaning you can alter the seating arrangement to suit your family's needs throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and allows them to be a part of the journey when they walk.

Tandem prams are usually all-terrain buggies or jogging ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. These are also good for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops as they are more compact.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example, can be used in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of an rumble seat. (PS249) You can then switch to the single pram mode once your baby gets used to the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for infant to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is a different option. The double side-by-side pram is available in a variety of colours and is designed with a contemporary style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that is able to be converted into a double side-by-side. It comes in a range of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It's also easy to collapse. It is also relatively lightweight and therefore a good choice for those who have little space in their cars or don't have enough space to store.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways, and some are even able to change into different seating configurations to meet your changing family needs. You can fit two toddlers in the seats or a third rider on the seat board and still have enough space for a basket to store your shopping, and the capability to add accessories like rain covers is also a advantage. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and larger than single pushchairs, as they need to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very inexpensive convertible that is very easy to use. However, our reviewers thought it was a bit heavy for the price.

Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for infants. This allows the Shop Double Pushchairs for Twins and Siblings stroller to be compacted and reduce in size when not used. The City Select's clever folding system that is one-handed impressed our test subjects however it requires some time to master. It's also very fluid and agile in spite of its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double travel stroller stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. The seat converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet option is a great option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under four months old shouldn't sleep in strollers because of the risk of positional asphyxia).

To be more flexible, opt for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can hold two children side-by-side however it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It's fluid and responsive, and our test users liked its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs in our list, but it offers a large shopping basket which is great for parents who carry bags of toys and food.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy if they have a child and are expecting another so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into a double with the addition of a toddler seat, or www.Pushchairsandprams.uk the brand's carrycot (which works well for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our test subjects love that they can recline in a variety of positions. They also appreciate the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be elevated to provide a an elevated platform for a child to get off and on, to allow them to access items in the shopping basket.

Cher said that the one disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt that this was compensated for because it is easy to maneuver and comes with plenty of storage space with two cup holders for parents and their children as well as seat-back pockets and an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated that seats can be flipped so that they face each other. This is ideal for siblings who want to talk and interact while out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 lbs, is super compact and has a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the low price point. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as the other models we've examined and the back seat isn't as well-lit due to its positioning that is higher than the front seats.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their slimmer 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. They are also shorter which makes them more maneuverable in tight spaces.