Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can simplify life for families, especially in busy shops or on busy streets. Pick a model with plenty of storage space to store nappies snacks, nappies, and other necessities.

Some parents who are first-time parents choose an infant pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and later transformed into a twin-mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a wide range of choices.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is among life's most exciting experiences. But, once the excitement fades and reality begins to sink in, you could be faced with a myriad of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or ones. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two seats or bassinets placed side by side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is a bit higher and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Some models have seats that can be reversible, so you can decide if your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems can be made into a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer required to have the second seat.

In terms of price the tandem is cheaper than a Hauck Uptown Duo Twin Pram - Melange Black pushchair (pushchairsandprams.uk) and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or function. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it can be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer especially when bumping up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is generally less stable than a Hauck Roadster Duo SLX - Twin Chair for Twins - Ultimate Comfort and Convenience pram, especially if the child who is older is sitting in the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport and is difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is an excellent alternative for a single parent who wants a sleeker design. However, the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It's got an expanded frame that increases in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of car seats, buggy seats, and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes to selecting a double pram or pushchair, there's a lot to consider. There are a variety of configuration options available, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are popular choices as they can be set up to accommodate infants in a bassinet at the top, while the larger toddler or infant is in the second seat below.

Some models come with seats that can be reversible, meaning you can adapt the configuration to your family's requirements throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you see your children at all times, and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey when they walk.

Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles and checkouts in shops and supermarkets because they are less bulky.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for instance, can be utilized in tandem mode from birth with the addition of a Rumble seat. (PS249) When your child grows out of the rumble seat, you can change to the single pram mode. You can also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to transform it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed in a contemporary design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can also add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be transformed into a double side-byside. It comes in a range of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also light and therefore a good choice for those who have smaller vehicles or have limited space to store.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile, and some are even able to change into different seat configurations to suit the changing needs of your family. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats and still have room for a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers tend to be larger and heavier than single pushchairs, as they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable that is extremely user-friendly, but our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for the price.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not in use and makes it more compact. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's clever one-handed fold. However, it does take some practice. 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 transformed from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode makes it a great option for infants.

If you want more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can fit two children side-by-side however it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It's fluid and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as the other models on our list, but it comes with a big basket that's ideal for parents who are carrying bags filled with toys and other items.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have children and anticipate to have another. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair by the addition of either a toddler seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions. They also 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 an elevated platform for a child to climb on and off, to allow them to reach items in the basket of groceries.

The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher felt it was overcome by the ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage space is equipped with two hanging parent and child cup holders, seat-back pockets and an enormous underseat basket. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be reversed so that they face each other, which is ideal for siblings who want to chat and have conversations when out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option, but still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is lightweight, and has a self standing fold, making it simple to transport or store in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship and the low price point. The only negatives are that the seats don't recline as much compared to other models we've tried and the rear seat is not as visible because of its position as it is higher than the seat in front.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It's worth bearing in mind that, despite their smaller size Side by side prams remain more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles. They may be difficult to navigate on crowded footpaths or in shops. However, they're usually shorter, which means they can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.