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. Find a model that has generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.

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

Tandem

The news that you're about to have to have a baby is among the most exciting events in life. However, after the initial excitement wears off and reality sinks in, you may be faced with a multitude of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or ones. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double pushchair from birth prams, are a classic design with two seats or bassinets placed side by side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is a bit higher and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models let you decide if your children will look at each other or outwards. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

In terms of price, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or functionality. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it may be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, especially when you're bumping up or down kerbs, and it is usually less stable than a twin pram, especially if the child with the most weight is seated at the front. A tandem can also be tricky to transport on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that focuses on image, is a great choice for a single parent who wants an attractive style. However, the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It comes with a clever frame that can be expanded to allow for the addition of 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 tandem is another lightweight double stroller option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a range of carrycots or car seats.

Side by side

There are a lot of things to think about when selecting a double stroller with bassinet pushchair or pram. There are numerous 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 the top while the older toddler or infant sits in the second seat below.

Some models have reversible seating that let you customize the layout of your family throughout the infant and toddler years. This lets you keep your children always in your sights and also gives them the chance to interact with each other as they stroll.

Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also a good choice if you need to brave narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts because they are generally smaller than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be utilized in tandem mode from birth with the addition of the Rumble seat. (PS249) When your child grows out of the rumble chair you can change to one pram mode. You may also opt to use the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram by Babybee is another option. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed with a contemporary design. It is designed to be used from the moment of birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're looking for a sleek and elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-byside double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings with different age groups. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also light and compact, making it a great option for people with little space in their cars or don't have enough space to store.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are able to change into different seating arrangements to meet your changing family needs. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats and still have enough space to carry a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers tend to be larger and heavier than single pushchairs because 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 somewhat heavy for the price.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option which is suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not being used. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's clever one-handed fold, although it does take some practice. It's also extremely fluid and agile in spite of its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. The seat converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet-style mode is a fantastic option for infants (although remember that babies under four months old shouldn't use strollers double strollers to sleep due to the risk of positional asphyxia).

If you want more flexibility Consider a convertible that has dual modes like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double stroller that can accommodate two children in a tandem. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It feels fluid and responsive, and our test users liked its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs we've reviewed however it does come with an enormous shopping basket that is ideal for parents with bags of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Some parents prefer to secure their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a good option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double by the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which works well to sleep at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love the fact that they can recline in multiple positions. They also appreciate 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 so that the older child can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher found that it was balanced by how easy it is to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage is, with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and an enormous underseat basket. Cher also loved that seats can be flipped so that they face each other, which is ideal for siblings who want to interact and talk when they are out and out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact, and has self-standing fold, making it easy to transport or store in your trunk. Parents love the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the affordable cost. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as some other models we've tried and the rear seat isn't as well-lit due to its positioning that is higher than the front seat.

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