Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A good double pram or pushchair can simplify family life, especially on busy footpaths or in shops and stores. Find a model that has ample storage space for nappies, snacks, 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 changed into a twin mode after the baby is born. Joolz offers a wide range of options.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting experiences. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation sets 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 right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double pushchair with car seat 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 and is suitable for babies. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Some models have seats that can be reversible, so you can choose to have your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems have the option of converting into a single double stroller pushchair when you decide your oldest child does not require the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money, but without losing safety or function. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs particularly if a larger child is riding in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is a great alternative for parents who are single and want an elegant design. However the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It features a clever frame that expands in width to allow 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's easy-to-use and compatible with a range of carrycots or car seats.

Side by side

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a double pram or pushchair. There are many 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 popular choices as they can be arranged to accommodate infants with a bassinet on the top while the older toddler or infant is in the lower seat below.

Certain models come with reversible seats which allow you to alter the configuration for your family during the infant and toddler years. This will allow you to keep your kids always in your sight and also gives them a chance to get to know one another as they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are ideal 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 utilized in tandem mode from birth with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) Then, you can switch to the single pram mode once your baby gets used to the rumble seat, or use the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a traveler from infant to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram from Babybee is another option. The side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colours and has an elegant modern design. The design is intended to be used right 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 children are safe and comfy.

The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-byside. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying age groups. It's also easy to fold. It's also light and therefore a good option for people with little space in their cars or don't have enough space for storage.

Convertible

Some of the top double prams or pushchairs can be configured into different seats to accommodate your changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in seats or even a third one on the seat board and still have room for a shopping basket, and the capability to add accessories like rain covers is a advantage. In general, convertible double strollers are larger 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 an affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our test participants considered it to be quite heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option which is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when it is not used. The City Select's innovative, one-handed folding impressed our test participants however it requires some time to master. It is also quite responsive and nimble in spite of its size.

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

To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can hold 2 children side by side and can 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 on our list however it does come with an enormous shopping basket that is handy for parents carrying bags of toys and food.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double pushchair if they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a good option. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair, with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and adore the fact that they both recline to multiple positions, come with built-in leg and foot support and have UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised to provide a standing platform for a child to get on and off, so that they can access items in the shopping basket.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher felt it was overcome by its ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage is with two hanging child and parent cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be turned to be positioned to face each other, which is perfect for siblings who want to chat and have conversations when they are out and out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs just 18 pounds, is lightweight, and has an auto-standing fold, making it easy to transport or store in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the price is low. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've tried and the rear seat doesn't have great visibility due to its position as it's higher than the front seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller side-by-side prams may be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. However, they're generally shorter, which means they can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.