Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair can simplify the lives of families, especially when walking on busy roads or in stores and shops. Pick a model with ample storage space to store nappies snacks, nappies, and other necessities.

Some first-time parents opt for an infant pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when bub is born and then changed into a twin mode when the baby has arrived. Joolz offers a range of choices.

Tandem

The news that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in your life. But, once the initial excitement wears off and reality sinks into your life, you'll be faced with a multitude of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or one. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design that has two bassinets or chairs placed side-by-side. The front seat is usually covered in padding and reclines to a flat position, making it suitable for babies and the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years old. Some models let you select whether your children stare at each other or face each other. Many tandems also have the option of converting into a single pushchair when you decide that your oldest child no longer needs the second seat.

In terms of price the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or functionality. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when negotiating curbs. It is also less stable than twin prams especially when a bigger child is riding in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to navigate narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a singleton parent who is looking for something that is sleek however the tandem mode can make it feel quite heavy and long when pushing. It's got an expanded frame that increases in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of buggy seats, car seats and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a range of car seats or carrycots.

Side by side

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a double pushchair or pram. If you're buying a double single pushchair pram for twins or other siblings that are similar in age there are plenty of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams are popular options because they can be set up so that the infant can sit in the bassinet on top while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.

Some models even feature seats that can be reversible, meaning you can alter the seating arrangement to meet the needs of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This will allow you to keep your children always in your sights and gives them a chance to interact with each other while they walk.

Tandem prams are typically jogging buggies or all terrain double stroller-terrain ones that is why they're great for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops because they are less bulky.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). You can then switch to the single mode when your little one is old enough to leave the rumble seat or choose the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a travel system for infant to toddler.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-by-side pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a contemporary design. Designed to be used right from the moment of birth, you can add 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 and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of different ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also fairly lightweight and compact, making it a great choice for those who have little space in their cars or don't have enough space for storage.

Convertible

Some of the best double prams or pushchairs can be made into various seats to accommodate your changing needs. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats, while still having enough space for a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers are generally larger and heavier than Single To double pushchair pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is extremely user-friendly, however our test subjects felt 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 allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduce in size when not used. The City Select's clever single-handed folding impressed our test participants, but it takes some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. It can be transformed from a parent-facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great option for infants.

If you're looking to expand your options look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can hold two children side-by-side. It can be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It is nimble and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs we've reviewed however, it comes with a large shopping basket which is great for parents who carry bags of groceries and toys.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are a great alternative for parents who have a child and expect another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double with the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers appreciate the fact that they can recline in various 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.

Cher said that the one downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset because it is easy to move and comes with plenty of storage space and cup holders for parents and their children seats-back pockets, as well as an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be placed to face each other for siblings that want to chat and interact together when out and out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option, but still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact and features a self standing fold, making it easy to transport or put in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the affordable price. The only downsides are that the seats do not recline as well as other models we have tested and the rear seat isn't as visible because of its position and height. 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 comes with 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 streets and in shops. They're also shorter which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.