Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair can simplify the lives of families, especially on busy footpaths or in shops and stores. Pick a model with ample storage space for nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and later converted to a twin mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a range of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a baby is among the most exciting events in life. But, once the excitement fades and the reality sets in, you could 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 aspects to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams are a classic design with two bassinets or chairs placed side by side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models let you decide if your children will look at each other or outwards. Many tandems also have the option to convert into a single pushchair when you decide your oldest child no longer needs the second seat.

A tandem is cheaper than a twin pram and can be a great option for parents who want to save money without losing safety or function. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over curbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport and can be difficult to navigate on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is a fantastic alternative for parents who are single and want a sleeker appearance. However, the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It comes with an innovative frame that can be expanded to accommodate the second seat, and it is compatible with many combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at a time or in separate). 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 from birth pram or pushchair. There are numerous configuration options available, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be configured to accommodate infants with a bassinet on the top, while the larger toddler or infant sits in the second seat below.

Some models even feature seats that can be reversible, meaning you can modify the seating to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to keep your children in sight at all times and also gives them the chance to get to know each other as they stroll.

Tandem prams are often jogging or all-terrain buggies which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They are also great for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops as they are less bulky.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be used in tandem mode right from birth with the addition of an Rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can switch to the single pram mode when your little one grows out of the rumble seat or choose the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a traveler from newborn to toddler.

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double pram side-by-side is available in a range of colours and has an elegant modern design. Designed to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe.

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-by-side. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of various ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also fairly lightweight and therefore a good option for people with smaller vehicles or have limited space to store.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways, and some are even able to change into different seat configurations to suit your family's changing needs. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats with enough space for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs because they have to hold 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 found it to be quite heavy for the money.

Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double car seat stroller stroller when it is not in use and makes it smaller. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold. However, it requires some practice. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.

Another affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a child-facing car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great option for infants.

For more flexibility, look for a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy which can accommodate two children in a row, but it can also be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It feels fluid and responsive, and our test users liked its sleek design. It's not as light as the other models on our list, but it comes with a big basket that is useful for parents who have to carry bags filled with toys and other items.

Lightweight

Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair a double with the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well to sleep at night). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers love that they can be reclined in a variety of positions. They also like the design of the canopy, which has an open window that can be seen from afar and has UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be elevated to provide a a standing platform for the older child to get off and on to allow them to reach things in the shopping basket.

Cher stated that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt this was offset by the fact that it's easy to move and comes with plenty of storage space, including two cup holders for parents and children, seat-back pockets, and an enormous basket underneath the seat. She also appreciated the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be set to face one another for siblings who want to talk and get together while out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact, and has a self standing fold, making it easy to transport or store in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the low price. The only downsides are that the seats don't recline as well as other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as visible due to its location - it is raised higher than the front seat.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek, and easy to steer and comes with a lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller than side-by-side strollers, they can be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. They're also shorter which makes them more maneuverable in tight spaces.