Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in bustling shops or on busy streets. Find a model that has generous storage space for stowing 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 when baby is born, and later converted into a twin mode after the baby is old enough. Joolz offers a wide range of options.

Tandem

The news that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in life. However, after the excitement fades and the reality sets into your life, you'll be faced with a variety of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your baby one or one. One of the most important aspects to consider is choosing the best pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also known as "in-line" double prams, are a classic design with two seats or bassinets 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 fit toddlers as young as 3 years old. Certain models let you choose whether your children look at each other or outwards. Many tandems can be made into a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.

A tandem is more affordable than a twin pram and is an excellent choice for parents looking to save money, without losing safety or function. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it could feel long and heavy to steer, particularly when moving up and down kerbs, and it is usually less stable than a twin pram particularly if the older child is seated in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to transport on public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is an excellent option for parents who are single and want an attractive appearance. However the tandem mode makes it feel a bit heavy and long to push. It features a clever frame that can be expanded 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 a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight twin buggy tandem option that's simple to use and compatible with a variety of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

There are many things to think about when selecting a double pushchair or pram. There are many configuration options available, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice because they can be configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet on the top while the older toddler or infant is in the second seat below.

Some models have reversible seats that let you customize the seating arrangement for your family during the infant and toddler years. This lets you keep your little ones always in your sights and also gives them a chance to interact with one another as they walk.

Tandem prams are typically all-terrain buggies or jogging ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also a good choice for those who have to navigate narrow supermarket isles or checkouts as they are generally more compact than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance can be used as a tandem pram from birth in dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). Then, you can switch to the single pram mode when your little one is old enough to leave the rumble seat or select the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to turn it into a travel system from newborn to toddler.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The double side-by-side pram is available in a variety of colors and is designed with a modern design. The design is intended to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your little ones are comfortable and safe.

The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-byside. It's available in a range of infant seat and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of various ages and is super-easy to fold. It is also relatively light and therefore a good choice for those who have small cars or limited space to store.

Convertible

The top Double Single Pushchair prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways, and some are even capable of changing seating arrangements 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, and still have enough space to carry a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Most convertible double strollers are bigger and heavier than single pushchairs because they have to be capable of holding 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 thought it was somewhat heavy for the price.

Some convertible lightest double stroller strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduce in size when not being used. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold. However, it does take some time to master. It's also very nimble and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.

Another option that is reasonably priced is an option that is affordable 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 feature is a great choice for infants.

If you're looking for more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a slim double stroller with bassinet stroller that can accommodate two children at the same time. It can also be used to make a tandem by incorporating a second seat kit. It is agile and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other models on our list however it does come with a huge basket that is useful for parents who are carrying bags of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double pushchair if they have one child and are expecting another so a convertible option is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double by the addition of a toddler's seat or the brand's carrycot (which is great for overnight sleeping). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can recline in multiple positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher felt this was balanced by the ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage area is, with two hanging child and parent cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and an enormous underseat basket. Cher also liked that the seats can be reversed so that they can face each other, which is perfect for siblings who want to interact and talk while out and out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option, but still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is lightweight, and has an auto-standing fold, making it simple to transport or put in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the low price point. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as other models we've tested and the rear seat doesn't have great visibility due to its position that is higher than the front seats.

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. Although they are smaller than side-by-side strollers, they can be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They are also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.