Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double umbrella stroller pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially when walking on busy roads or in stores and shops. Choose a model that has plenty of storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other essentials.

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

Tandem

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

Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams, are a classic style with two seats or bassinets placed side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is more upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Some models have seats that can be reversible, so you can choose to have your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems have the option to convert into a single pushchair if you decide that your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.

A tandem is more affordable than a twin pram and is an excellent choice for parents who wish to save money without losing safety or function. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when bumping over kerbs. It is also less stable than twin strollers for newborns pushchairs especially when a bigger child is in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to get onto public transport and is difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great option for a single parent who wants something streamlined however the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It features an innovative frame that can be expanded to allow for the addition of the second seat, and it can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is 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 a variety of configuration options to choose from, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are a popular choice since they can be arranged to fit infants in a bassinet on top, while the older toddler or infant is in the lower seat below.

Some models come with seats that can be reversible, meaning you can modify the seating to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to keep your little ones in sight at all times and gives them a chance to get to know each other as they stroll.

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

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in the dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). It is then possible to switch to the single mode once your baby is old enough to leave the rumble seat or select the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for infant to toddler.

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

The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that is able to be converted into a double side-by-side. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycot configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also quite light, which makes it an ideal option for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.

Convertible

The best double pushchairs or prams can be configured into different seats to meet your changing needs. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in the seats or a third child on the seat board and have space for a shopping basket and the capability to add accessories like rain covers is a benefit. Convertible double buggy side by side strollers are generally larger and heavier than single pushchairs, as they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible which is very easy to use, although our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for the money.

Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when it is not used. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's unique one-handed fold. However, it does take a bit of practice. It is also quite agile and responsive even despite its size.

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

If you're looking to expand your options Consider a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that can hold two children side-by-side. It can also be used to make a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. It's responsive and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light like some of the other models on our list, however it does come with a huge basket that's great for parents carrying bags filled with toys and other items.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have a child and expect another. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair, with the addition of either an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our test subjects love that they can be reclined in various positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be elevated to provide a an elevated platform for the child to climb off and on so they can reach items in the basket of groceries.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher believed that this was overcome by the ease to maneuver and how large the storage space is, with two hanging child and parent cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as a large underseat storage basket. Cher also loved that the seats can be reversed so that they face each other. This is great for siblings who love to interact and talk when out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs only 18 pounds, is small and features an auto-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the cost. The only drawbacks are that the seats do not recline as much as other models we have tested and the rear seat is not as prominent because of its position as it is higher than the seat in front.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their slimmer design, side by side prams are still wider than tandem and in-line doubles and can be difficult to navigate through crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they're generally smaller, and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.