Choosing a double pushchairs Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can simplify life for families, especially in busy shops or on busy streets. Choose a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.

Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and transformed into a twin pushchair-mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a range of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting moments in life. However, after the initial excitement wears off and reality begins to sink in, you could be faced with a myriad of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or ones. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best travel double stroller pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a timeless design that feature two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as three years. Some models allow you to choose whether your children look at each other or face each other. A lot of tandems offer the option of being converted into a single pushchair if 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 a great choice for parents who want to save money but not compromising on safety or convenience. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it may feel long and heavy to steer, especially when you're going 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 be difficult to place on public transportation, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great option for a single parent who wants something streamlined however, the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It has frames that can be expanded in size to accommodate a second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at one time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats or carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes to choosing a double pram or pushchair there's plenty to think about. Whether you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age, there are a number of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice because they can be arranged to accommodate infants with a bassinet at the top, while the larger toddler or infant sits in the lower seat below.

Certain models come with reversible seats which allow you to alter the seating arrangement for your family members throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you keep your children in sight at all times and also gives them a chance to get to know each other as they stroll.

Tandem prams are often jogging buggies or all-terrain ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They are also great for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops, as they are more compact.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child gets bored of the rumble chair, you can switch to the single pram mode. You can also choose to make use of the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn to toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another alternative. The side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and features an attractive modern style. The design is intended 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 little ones are comfortable and safe.

If you're looking for a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts 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 range of carrycot and infant seat combinations to cater for twins or siblings of various ages and is super-easy to fold. It is also relatively light and compact, making it a great option for those with smaller vehicles or have limited space to store.

Convertible

Some of the top double prams or pushchairs are configured into different seats to meet your changing needs. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in seats or a third child on the seat board and have enough space for a basket to store your shopping, and the capability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is also a plus. Typically, convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs because they must be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our test participants considered it to be quite heavy for the price.

Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduce in size when not used. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's clever one-handed fold. However, it requires a bit of practice. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is an alternative that is affordable. The seat converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet option is a fantastic option for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should not be able to sleep in strollers due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).

To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller that is able to accommodate two children at the same time. It can also be used to create a tandem by adding a second seat kit. It is responsive and nimble and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs we've reviewed, but it offers a large shopping basket which is great for parents who carry bags of groceries and toys.

Lightweight

Some parents want to ensure the future of their double pushchair if they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal to sleep at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love that they can be reclined in a variety of positions. They also like the fact that the canopy has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised to provide a standing platform for a child to climb off and on to allow them to access items in the shopping basket.

Cher said that the one negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt that this was compensated for because it is easy to maneuver and offers plenty of storage space and cup holders for parents and children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be reversed to face each other, which is great for siblings who like to interact and talk when they are out and out and about.

A lighter, but equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs, is super 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 cost. The only drawbacks are that the seats don't recline as much compared to other models we've tried and the rear seat is not as prominent due to its position and height. It is higher than the front seat.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It's worth bearing in mind that despite their narrower design, side by side prams are more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles and can be difficult to navigate on busy streets or in shops. They're also shorter, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.