Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy footpaths or in the shops and stores. Choose a model that has plenty of storage space to store nappies as well as 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 baby is born. It can be converted into a twin mode after the baby is born. Joolz has a variety of options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in your life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation sets in, you'll be faced with many choices regarding how to prepare your family. One of the most important considerations is choosing the correct pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double prams) are a timeless design that feature two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Certain models feature the option of reversible seating, which lets you decide if your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems have the option to convert into a single pushchair when you decide that your oldest child does not require the second seat.

In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money but not compromising on safety or function. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over curbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is riding in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to get onto public transport and can be difficult to navigate on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a singleton parent looking for a sleeker design however the tandem mode can make it feel quite long and heavy when pushing. It features a clever frame that expands in width to accommodate the second seat, and can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy seats and car seats (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

When it comes time to choose a double pushchair or pram there's plenty to think about. Whether you're buying for twins or siblings close in age there are a variety of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams (also called side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be set up to accommodate infants with a bassinet at the top, while the older toddler or infant is in the seat below.

Some models have reversible seating that allow you to customize the seating arrangement for your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to see your children at all times and gives them the chance to connect with them as they walk.

Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are great for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets because they are more compact.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem double buggy 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 switch to the single pram mode. You may also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colours and has an attractive modern style. Designed to be used from the moment of birth, you can choose to add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your children are secure and comfortable.

If you're looking for a sleek and elegant pushchair that can convert into a side-byside double pushchair from birth and a side-by-side 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 of different age groups. It is also super-easy to fold. It's also fairly light, which makes it an ideal choice for families with small cars or limited storage space.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs are versatile, and some are even able to change into different seat configurations to suit your changing family needs. You can fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats with enough space for a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers are generally larger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible which is very user-friendly, however our testers felt that it was a bit heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for babies. This allows the sit n stand double stroller; click through the up coming article, stroller to be compacted and reduce in size when not used. The City Select's clever single-handed folding impressed our testers but it does require some time to master. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.

Another option that is reasonably priced is an option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It 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 be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of positional asphyxia).

If you're looking for more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can fit two children side-by-side however it can also be used as a tandem, with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It's responsive and agile and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight as the other models we've reviewed, but it comes with a big basket that's great for parents who are carrying bags of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have children and anticipate another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair a double with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is great for sleeping at night). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and love the fact that both recline to multiple positions, have built-in leg and foot support and generous UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be elevated to provide a an elevated platform for the child to get off and on so that they can reach things in the basket of groceries.

The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher believed that this was offset by how easy it is to move around and how big the storage is, with two hanging child and parent cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat storage basket. Cher also loved that the seats can be reversed to be positioned to face each other, which is perfect for siblings who want to chat and have conversations when they are out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 lbs. It is compact and features an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, and the affordable cost. The only downsides are that the seats don't recline as well as other models we have tested and the rear seat is not as prominent because of its position and height. It is higher than the front seat.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller, side-by-side prams can still be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They're also shorter and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.