Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed nipper double buggy pram or pushchair double will simplify life for families, particularly on busy footpaths or in stores and shops. Choose a model that has plenty of 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 when bub is born and then converted into a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz provides a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a baby is among life's most exciting experiences. However, once the excitement of the beginning fades and reality begins to sink in, you may be faced with a variety of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. The best stroller or pram is one of the most important things to consider.

Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a timeless design that have 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 one is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years old. Some models have seats that can be reversible, so you can decide if your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems can be made into a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and can be an excellent choice for parents who wish to save money, without compromising safety or functionality. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it can feel long and heavy to steer, particularly when moving up and down kerbs, and it is generally less stable than a twin pram particularly if the older child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is an excellent choice for parents with one child who want a sleeker style. However, the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It has a frame that expands 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 a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a variety of car seats or carrycots.

Side by side

There are many things to consider when choosing a double pram or pushchair. Whether you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age there are plenty of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice since they can be set up to fit infants in a bassinet on the top, while the older toddler or infant sits in the seat below.

Some models come with reversible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement 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 connect with them when they walk.

Tandem prams are usually jogging or all-terrain buggies which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a good choice for those who have to navigate narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets as they are generally smaller than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child gets bored of the rumble seat, you can change to one pram mode. You can also opt to make use of the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn to toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is a different alternative. The double side-by-side pram is available in a variety of colors and is designed with a modern style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're looking for a sleek, elegant pushchair that can be converted into a side-byside double and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a range of infant seat and carrycot configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups and is easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight and therefore an ideal choice for families with smaller cars or a limited storage space.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile and some are capable of changing seating arrangements to meet your family's changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in the seats or even a third one on the seat board and still have space for a shopping basket, and the option to add accessories such as rain covers is a plus. Most 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, however our testers thought it was a bit heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's unique one-handed fold, although it takes a bit of practice. It is also quite agile and responsive, despite its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. The seat converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, and the bassinet mode is a fantastic option for infants (although remember that babies under 4 months old should not sleep in strollers because of the danger of asphyxia from position).

To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can hold two children side-by-side, but it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It's nimble and responsive and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as the other models on our list but it has a large basket that's great for parents who are carrying bags filled with toys and other items.

Lightweight

Some parents prefer to secure their double car seat stroller buggy when they have one child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair with the addition of either 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 be reclined in various positions. They also like the feature that the canopy comes with a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised to provide a standing platform for the older child to climb on and off, so that they can access items in the basket of groceries.

Cher stated that the only negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset because it's easy to move and has plenty of storage, including two cup holders for parents and children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket under the seat. Cher also liked that the seats can be reversed so that they face each other. This is great for siblings who want to chat and have conversations when out and out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a smaller model, but still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is small and features an auto-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the affordable cost. The only drawbacks are that the seats do not recline as much compared to other models we've tested and the rear seat is not as visible because of its position as it is higher than the seat in front.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It's slim, sleek and easy to steer and has a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that despite their narrower design side by side prams are still more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be tricky to navigate on busy streets or in shops. They are also shorter and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.