Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, especially in busy shops or on busy streets. Pick a model with ample storage space for nappies snacks, nappies, and other necessities.

Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair which can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and then transformed into a twin-mode after the baby arrives. Joolz has a variety of options.


Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in life. However, once the initial excitement wears off and reality begins to sink in, you could be faced with a myriad of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or ones. One of the most important considerations is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a timeless design that feature two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Some models let you decide if your children will look at each other or face each other. Many tandems have the option of being converted into a single pushchair if you decide that your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and can be an ideal choice for parents looking to save money without having to sacrifice safety or functional. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it could be heavy and long to steer especially when going up or down kerbs, and it is generally less stable than a twin pram, particularly if the older child is seated at the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a singleton parent who is looking for something that is sleek however, the tandem mode can make it feel large and heavy when pushing. It has a clever frame that can be expanded to accommodate 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 is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes to choosing a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to consider. There are many configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be set up to fit infants in a bassinet at the top while the older toddler or infant sits in the lower seat below.

Some models come with reversible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to meet the needs of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times and gives them the chance to interact as they walk.

Tandem prams are often jogging or all-terrain buggies that is why they're great for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also a good option if you need to brave narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts because they're generally smaller than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example can be used in tandem mode from birth, but with the addition of a Rumble seat. (PS249) You can then switch to the single pram mode once your child is old enough to leave the rumble seat or select the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system for infant to toddler.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colors and comes with an elegant modern design. It is designed to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable.

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that is able to be converted into a double side-by-side. It's available in a range of infant and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of various ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also fairly light and therefore an ideal choice for families with smaller cars or a limited storage space.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are capable of changing seat configurations to suit your family's changing needs. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats with enough space for shopping bags. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. In general, convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs because they must be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible which is very user-friendly, but our testers thought it was a little 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 babies. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not used. The City Select's clever, one-handed folding impressed our testers however it requires some time to master. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.

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

For greater flexibility, opt for a convertible that has dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can fit 2 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 is fluid and responsive, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as some of the other models we've reviewed, but it comes with a big basket that is useful for parents who are carrying bags of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Some parents prefer to secure their double buggy if they have a child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a great option. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers love that they can recline in multiple positions. double pram pushchair like the fact that the canopy has an open window that can be seen from afar and has UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised to provide a standing platform for a child to climb off and on, so that they can access items in the shopping basket.

Cher stated that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset by the fact that it is easy to maneuver and has plenty of storage, including two cup holders for parents and their children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also liked that the seats can be reversed so that they can face each other, which is great for siblings who want to talk and interact when they are out and about.

A lighter, but equally impressive choice 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 put in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of materials and workmanship, and the affordable price. The only negatives are that the seats don't recline as well as other models we have tested and the rear seat is not as well-lit due to its position and height. 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's important to keep in mind that despite their narrower design, side by side prams are still wider than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate through busy streets or in shops. However, they're generally shorter too, so are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.