Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A good double stroller for twins pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially when walking on busy roads or in stores and shops. Look for a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once baby is born, and later changed into a twin umbrella stroller mode after the baby is born. Joolz offers a wide range of choices.

Tandem

The news that you're about to have to have a baby is among the most exciting times in your life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you will be faced with many decisions regarding how you can prepare your family. The best stroller or pram is one of the most important things to consider.

Tandem prams, also referred to as "in-line" double prams, are a classic style with two bassinets or chairs placed side by side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Some models have the option of reversible seating, which lets you choose whether your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems also have the option to convert into a single pushchair when you decide that your child's oldest does not require the second seat.

In terms of cost the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be a great choice for parents looking to save money but not compromising on safety or convenience. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to get onto public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great option for a single parent who is looking for something that is sleek, but the tandem mode can make it feel quite long and heavy when pushing. It features an innovative frame that expands in width to allow for the addition of the second seat, and it is compatible with many combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes to selecting a double pushchair or pram there's plenty to think about. 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 called side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be configured to fit infants in a bassinet on the top, while the larger infant or toddler sits in the lower seat below.

Some models even feature reversible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to meet the needs of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This allows you to keep your kids always in your sights and gives them a an opportunity to interact with each other while they walk.

Tandem prams are usually all-terrain buggies or jogging ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also a good choice when you have to traverse narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts because they tend to be more compact than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be utilized in tandem mode from birth with the addition of an rumble seat. (PS249) If your child is no longer a member of the rumble seat, 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.

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The double side-by-side pram is available in a range of colors and is designed in a contemporary style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that is able to be converted into a double side-by-side. It comes in a range of carrycots and infant seats to accommodate twins or siblings with different ages. It is also super-easy to collapse. It's also lightweight and compact, making it a great option for those with little space in their cars or don't have enough space for storage.

Convertible

The best double prams and pushchairs can be used in a variety of ways and some are capable of changing seating configurations to meet the changing needs of your family. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats, while still having enough space for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs as they have to be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an inexpensive convertible that is very easy to use. However, our test participants considered it to be quite heavy for its price.

Some double strollers that convert into convertibles, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not in use, and makes it more compact. The City Select's innovative single-handed folding impressed our testers however it requires some time to master. It's also very fluid and agile in spite of its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. It converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat, and the bassinet mode is a great 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).

For more flexibility, look for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can fit two children side-by-side, but 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 as light as some of the other pushchairs double we've reviewed, but it offers a large shopping basket which is handy for parents carrying bags of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who already have children and anticipate the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double travel stroller by the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is great for sleeping at night). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate the fact that they can recline in various positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher found that this was overcome by how easy it is to move around and how big the storage area is with two hanging child and parent cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as a large underseat storage basket. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be reversed so that they can be positioned to face each other, which is great for siblings who love to talk and interact when out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 lbs. It is compact and has a self-standing fold, making it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the low price. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as some other models we've tried and the back seat isn't very well-lit because of its position - it's raised higher than the front seats.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower side-by-side prams may be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. They are also shorter which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.