Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram or pushchair can simplify family life, especially on busy streets or in shops and stores. Pick a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other necessities.

Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and later changed to a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in your life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation sets in, you'll be faced with many decisions regarding how you can prepare your family. The right pram or stroller is among the most important things to consider.

Tandem prams (also known as "in-line" double prams) are a timeless design with two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models allow you to choose whether your children look at each other or face each other. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.

A tandem is more affordable than a twin buggy from birth pram and can be an excellent choice for parents who wish to save money, but without losing safety or function. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when bumping over kerbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs especially when a bigger child is in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to navigate narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is a fantastic choice for parents with one child who want an elegant design. However the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It comes with a clever frame that expands widthways to accommodate the second seat, and is compatible with many combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes to selecting a double pram or pushchair there's plenty to think about. There are numerous configuration options available, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, referred to as side-by-side prams, are a popular choices because they can be set up so that the infant can sit in the bassinet in the middle while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second seat.

Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the layout of your family throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to keep your kids always in your sight and gives them a chance to interact with one another as they walk.

Tandem prams are usually all-terrain buggies or jogging ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops, as they are smaller.

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

The Side by Side Pram by Babybee is another option. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed with a modern style. Designed to be used right from the moment of birth, you can include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double side-by-side. It is available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different age ranges. It is also super-easy to collapse. It is also relatively light, making it a good choice for those who have little space in their cars or don't have enough space to store.

Convertible

The best double buggy newborn pushchairs or prams can be made into various seats to meet your needs as they change. You can accommodate up to three children on the seat board or two toddlers in the seats while still having room for shopping bags. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and larger than single pushchairs because they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible that is easy to use, although our testers thought it was a little heavy for its price.

Some convertible nipper double buggy strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not being used. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold, though it does take a bit of practice. It's also very responsive and nimble even despite its size.

Another option that is reasonably priced is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be transformed from a parent facing infant car seat to an forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great choice for infants.

For more flexibility, look for a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy that can fit two children in a row however it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It is nimble and agile, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight double buggy as some of the other models on our list however it does come with a huge basket that's great for parents who have to carry bags filled with toys and other items.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who have one child and are expecting another. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double by the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal to sleep at night). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and adore the fact that both recline to different positions, have built-in foot and leg supports and large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised high so that the older child can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

Cher said that the one downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt this was offset by the fact that it is easy to move and offers plenty of storage space and cup holders for children and parents, seat-back pockets, and an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated the feature that the seats are convertible, which means they can be set to face one another for siblings that want to chat and interact together when out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs just 18 pounds, is small double buggy and features self-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the price is low. The only drawbacks are that the seats don't recline as well as other models we've tried and the rear seat isn't as prominent due to its location and height. It is higher than the first seat.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their smaller size, side by side prams are still more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles and can be difficult to navigate through crowded footpaths or in shops. They are also smaller and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.