Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy footpaths or in shops and stores. Look for a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks, and other essentials.

Some first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram when baby is born. It can be transformed into a twin-mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of these options.

tandem double buggy

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting moments. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you will be faced with a variety of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a classic style that have two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side-by-side. The front seat is typically covered in padding and reclines to a flat angle, making it suitable for babies, while the second seat is more upright and can be used by toddlers from around three years of age. Some models allow you to decide if your children will look at each other or face each other. Many tandems can be converted into a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

A tandem is more affordable than a twin pram and is an ideal choice for parents who wish to save money, without having to sacrifice safety or functional. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it could be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, especially when you're moving up and down kerbs, and it is often less stable than a twin pram especially if the child who is older is sitting in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to get onto public transport, and it 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 single parent looking for a sleeker design however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite long and heavy when pushing. It comes with an expanded frame that increases in size to accommodate a second seat. It can be used with a range of combinations of car seats, buggy 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 variety of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes time to choose a double pram or pushchair there's plenty to think about. There are many configuration options to choose from, regardless of 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 fit infants in a bassinet on top, while the older toddler or infant is in the second seat below.

Some models even have reversible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to meet the needs of your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you keep your children always in your sight and gives them a chance to get to know one another as they walk.

Tandem prams are typically all terrain double buggy-terrain buggies or jogging ones that is why they're great for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a great option if you need to brave narrow supermarket isles or checkouts as they're generally more compact than single and double stroller-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for instance, can be utilized in tandem mode from birth with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can change to a single pram mode once your baby is old enough to leave the rumble seat or choose the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a traveler from newborn to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another alternative. This double side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed with a modern design. It is designed to be used from birth, you can also include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double buggy travel system (knowing it) side-by-side. It's available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It's also incredibly easy to collapse. It's also quite light making it an ideal choice for families with smaller cars or a limited storage space.

Convertible

Some of the top double pushchairs or prams can be made into various seats to meet your needs as they change. It is possible to fit two toddlers in the seats or a third child on the seat board and have room for a shopping basket, and the capability to add accessories such as rain covers is a benefit. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and larger than single pushchairs, as they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our testers thought it was a bit heavy for the money.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not in use, and makes it smaller. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold, although it does take some practice. It's also extremely responsive and nimble in spite of its size.

Another option that is reasonably priced is an option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet option is a great choice for infants (although remember that babies under 4 months old should not be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).

If you're looking for more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can hold 2 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 is fluid and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight like some of the other models on our list, but it comes with a big basket that is useful for parents who are carrying bags filled with toys and food items.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who have a child and expect another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double by the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is great for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers love that they can recline in various positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised high so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher found that it was balanced by the ease to maneuver and how large the storage is equipped with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. Cher also liked that the seats can be reversed to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who want to talk and interact when they are out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option, but still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is compact and features self-standing fold, making it simple to transport or put in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the affordable price. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as much as some other models we've tested and the rear seat doesn't have great visibility due to its position as it's higher than the front seat.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It's slim, sleek, and easy to steer and has a lifetime warranty. Although they are smaller side-by-side prams may be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. They're also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.