Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can simplify life for families, particularly in busy stores or on busy streets. Pick a model with ample storage space to store nappies, 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 has arrived. Joolz offers a range of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting the birth of a child is one of the most exciting events in your life. However, once the excitement of the beginning fades and reality sinks in, you may be faced with a multitude of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or one. The best stroller or pram is among the most important things to consider.

Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a classic design that feature two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat is usually padded and reclines to a flat position making it suitable for babies, while the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years old. Some models allow you to decide if your children will look at each other or outwards. A lot of tandems offer the option to convert into a single pushchair when you decide that your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.

In terms of cost it is cheaper than a twin pushchair and is a great option for parents looking to save money without compromising on safety or functionality. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it could be heavy and long to steer, particularly when moving up and down kerbs, and it is often less stable than a twin pram especially if the child who is older is seated at the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a singleton parent who wants something streamlined however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite large and heavy when pushing. It comes with an innovative frame that expands widthways to accommodate the second seat, and is compatible with many combinations of buggy seats, carrycots 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 range of carrycots or car seats.

Side by side

When it comes time to choose a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to consider. If you're buying a nipper double buggy pram for twins or siblings close in age, there are a number of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice since they can be arranged to accommodate infants with a bassinet on the top, while the older infant or toddler sits in the lower seat below.

Certain models come with reversible seats that allow you to customize the seating arrangement for your family during 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 while they walk.

Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones which makes them ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also a great option for those who have to navigate narrow supermarket isles or checkouts as they tend to be more compact than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example, can be utilized in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of a Rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can switch to the single pram mode once your child gets used to the rumble seat or select the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for newborn to toddler.

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

The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double side by side. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat combinations to cater for twins or siblings of different ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also fairly lightweight and compact, making it a great option for people with little space in their cars or don't have enough space to store.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs are versatile and some are able to change into different seat configurations to suit the changing needs of your family. It is possible to fit two toddlers in the seats or even a third one on the seat board and still have enough space for a shopping basket and the ability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is a advantage. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and larger than single to double buggy pushchairs due to the fact that they need to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our reviewers found it to be a bit heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduce in size when it is not used. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's unique one-handed fold, although it does take some practice. It is also quite fluid and agile, despite its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. The seat can be converted from a child-facing car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature makes it 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. It's a slim double stroller that can hold two children side-by-side. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It is responsive and nimble and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed however, it comes with a large shopping basket which is handy for parents carrying bags full of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Some parents want to ensure the future of their double pushchair (read this) if they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair with the addition of an infant seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can be reclined in a variety of positions. They also appreciate the feature that the canopy comes with an open window that can be seen from afar and has UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised high 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, however Cher felt it was balanced by its ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage space is, with two hanging child and parent cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and an enormous underseat basket. Cher also appreciated the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be placed to face each other for siblings that want to chat and interact together while out and out and about.

A lighter-weight but just as impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs. It is 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 and the price is low. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've tried, and the rear seat isn't as well-lit because of its position that is higher than the front seats.