Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can simplify life for families, particularly in bustling shopping centers or on busy streets. Look for a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other essentials.

Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single to double buggy pram once baby is born, and later transformed into a twin-mode once he or she is old enough. Joolz provides a variety of these options.

Tandem

The news that you're expecting to have a baby is among the most exciting events in your life. However, once the excitement of the beginning fades and the reality sets in, you may be faced with a multitude of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. One of the most important considerations is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams are a classic design that has two seats or bassinets placed side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for infants. The second seat is more upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models come with seats that can be reversible, so you can choose to have your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems also have the option of being converted into a single pushchair when you decide that your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than a twin pram and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money, without having to sacrifice safety or functional. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it may be heavy and long to steer, especially when you're bumping up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is often less stable than a twin stroller with car seats pram particularly if the older child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is a fantastic choice for parents who are single and want an attractive style. However the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It has frames that can be expanded in size to accommodate a second seat. It can be used with a range of combinations of buggy seats, car seats and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes to choosing a double pushchair or pram, there's a lot to think about. If you're buying a double pram for twins or siblings who are close in age there are plenty of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be arranged to accommodate infants in a bassinet on the top, while the older infant or toddler sits in the second seat below.

Certain models come with reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This will allow you to keep your kids always in your sights and gives them a chance to interact with each other as they stroll.

Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are great for trips outdoors, such as to the park. These are also good for narrow aisles and checkouts in shops and supermarkets as they are more compact.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram from birth in the dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). Then, you can switch to the single pram mode when your little one is old enough to leave the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a traveler from newborn to toddler.

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

The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double side-byside. It is available in a variety of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different ages. It's also easy to collapse. It is also relatively lightweight and compact, making it a great choice for those who have smaller vehicles or have limited space for storage.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways and some are capable of changing seating configurations to meet the changing needs of your family. You can fit two toddlers in the seats or a third child on the seat board, and still have enough space for a shopping basket, and the capability to add accessories such as rain covers is another plus. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable which is very user-friendly, however our test subjects felt it was a little heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not used. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's unique one-handed fold, though it requires some practice. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.

Another option that is affordable is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-double running buggy Stroller. It can be converted from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature makes it a great option for infants.

To be more flexible, opt for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that can hold two children at the same time. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It feels agile and responsive, and our test users were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs we've reviewed however it does come with an ample shopping basket that is ideal for parents with bags of groceries and toys.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double pushchair if they have a child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a good option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which works well for overnight sleeping). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and loved the fact that they both recline to multiple positions, come with built-in leg and foot support and have UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher believed that this was offset by how easy it is to move around and how big the storage space is, with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat storage basket. She also liked the fact that the seats are reversible, so they can be placed to face each other for siblings who wish to talk and get 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 features an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the low price point. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as much as some other models we've tested and the back seat isn't as well-lit due to its position - it's raised higher than the front seat.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It is slim, sleek and easy to steer and comes with a lifetime warranty. While they're smaller than side-by-side strollers, they can be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They are also shorter and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.