Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

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

Some parents who are new to the family opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once bub is born and then converted into a twin mode when the baby has arrived. Joolz offers a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is among life's most exciting moments. However, once the excitement of the beginning fades and the reality sets in, you could be faced with a variety of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. The best stroller or pram is one of the most compact double stroller important considerations.

Tandem prams (also known as "in-line" double prams) are a classic design with two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for babies. The second seat is more upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Certain models let you decide if your children will look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems have the option to convert into a single pushchair if you decide that your oldest child doesn't require the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and can be an ideal choice for parents looking to save money, but without compromising safety or functionality. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it may be heavy and long to steer, particularly when bumping up or down kerbs, and it is often less stable than a twin pushchair, especially if the child with the most weight is sitting in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to fit onto public transport and can be difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a fantastic alternative for a single parent who wants an attractive design. However the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It has a clever frame that expands in width to allow for the addition of the second seat, and it can be used with multiple combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

There are many aspects to take into consideration when selecting a double pram or pushchair. There are a variety of configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams are popular options because they can be set up so that the infant can be seated in the bassinet in the middle while the older child or toddler is seated in the second seat.

Some models come with reversible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This lets you see your children at all times and gives them the chance to interact while they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for trips outdoors, such as to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops, as they are smaller.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for example can be used in tandem mode right from birth, but with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) When your child grows out of the rumble seat, you can switch to one pram mode. You may also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to transform it from a newborn to toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is a different option. This double side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed with a contemporary design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can also include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're seeking a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a double-sided side-by-side then the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a variety of infant seat and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It's also easy to fold. It is also relatively lightweight, making it a good option for those with little space in their cars or don't have enough space to store.

Convertible

The best double pushchairs or prams can be made into various seats to meet your changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in seats or a third rider on the seat board, and still have enough space for a shopping basket and the option to add accessories such as rain covers is a plus. Convertible double strollers are generally larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our testers considered it to be somewhat heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not being used and makes it more compact. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's innovative one-handed fold, though it does take some practice. It's also very responsive and nimble, despite its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. It can be converted from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet mode is a great option for infants.

For greater flexibility, opt for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can fit two children in a row however 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 were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as the other models we've reviewed, but it comes with a big basket that is useful for parents carrying bags of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy if they have a child and are expecting another so a convertible option is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double with the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is great for overnight sleeping). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love that they can recline in various positions. They also appreciate the feature that the canopy comes with a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised high so that the older child can sit n stand double stroller on it to reach the shopping basket.

The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher believed that it was overcome by the ease to move around and how big the storage is equipped with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat storage basket. Cher also appreciated the fact that the seats are reversible, so they can be positioned to face one another for siblings who want to talk and interact when out and about.

A lighter, but equally impressive option 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 carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the affordable price. The only drawbacks are that the seats do not recline as well as other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as well-lit due to its location - it is raised 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 appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It's important to keep in mind that despite their narrower design Side by side prams are still more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles and can be difficult to navigate through busy footpaths or in stores. However, they're usually shorter too, so can be easier to turn in tight spaces than tandems.