Choosing a double pram and pushchair (from the Xintangtc blog)

A double pram or pushchair can simplify life for families, particularly on busy streets or in stores and shops. Find a model that has ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other essentials.

Some parents who are new to the world choose a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and then transformed into a twin-mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a range of these options.

Tandem

The news that you're about to have the birth of a child is one of the most exciting moments in your life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will have to make a number of options for how you can prepare your family. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the best twin buggy pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design with two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat is typically covered in padding and reclines to a flat angle, making it suitable for infants, while the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years older. Some models let you select whether your children stare at each other or face each other. Many tandems can be converted into a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

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

The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a single parent looking for a sleeker design however the tandem mode can make it feel quite large and heavy when pushing. It has a clever frame that expands in width to accommodate the second seat, and can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a double pram or pushchair. There are a variety of configuration options to choose from, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are a popular choices due to the fact that they can be configured so that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet in the middle while the older child or toddler is seated in the second seat.

Certain models come with reversible seats which allow you to alter the configuration for your family members throughout the infant and toddler years. This lets you see your children at all times, and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey as they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They're also a good option for those who have to navigate narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets as they're generally more compact than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in dual mode with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). When your child grows out of the rumble chair you can change to the single pram mode. You may also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn to toddler travel system.

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and comes with a beautiful modern style. The design is intended to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your children are secure and comfortable.

If you're looking for a sleek and elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double-sided side-by-side, the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It comes in a range of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It is also super-easy to fold. It is also relatively 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 running stroller prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways and some are capable of changing seating configurations to meet your family's changing needs. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in the seats or a third child on the seat board and still have space for a shopping basket and the option to add additional accessories such as rain covers is also a plus. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs because they need to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of a convertible that is affordable which is very easy to use, although our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for the money.

Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not in use and makes it smaller. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's clever one-handed fold, although it requires some practice. It's also extremely fluid and agile in spite of its size.

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

For more flexibility, look for a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small 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's nimble and responsive, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs on our list, but it offers an enormous shopping basket that is handy for parents carrying bags of toys and food.

lightweight twin buggy

Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who already have a child and expect to have another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair to double by the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal to sleep at night). Our testers noted the comfort of the seats and adore the fact that both recline to different positions, feature built-in leg and foot support and generous UPF 50+ canopy that has windows that peek out. The rear seat can be lifted high to offer an elevated platform for the child to get off and on so that they can reach items in the basket of groceries.

Cher stated that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed that this was compensated for because it is easy to move and offers plenty of storage space with two cup holders for children and parents seats-back pockets, as well as an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated the seat's design, which is adjustable, meaning they can be set to face each other for siblings who wish to chat and interact together when out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact and features a self-standing fold that makes it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and workmanship and the low price point. The only downsides are that the seats don't recline as much compared to other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as prominent due to its position as it is higher than the front seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller, side-by-side prams can still be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. They are also smaller which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.