Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed double pram or pushchair can simplify family life, especially on busy streets or in the shops and stores. Choose a model that has ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other necessities.

Some parents who are first-time parents choose an infant pushchair that can be used as a single pram once baby is born, and later converted into a twin mode after the baby has arrived. Joolz provides a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a baby is among the most exciting events in life. Once the excitement has worn off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you'll be faced with many options for how you can prepare your family. The proper stroller or pram is one of the most important things to consider.

Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a classic design with two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side-by-side. The front seat is usually padded and reclines to a flat position, making it suitable for babies, while the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years older. Some models let you choose whether your children look at each other or look outwards. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer required to have the second seat.

In terms of price it is cheaper than a Twin strollers for newborns pushchair and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or convenience. However, the drawback of a tandem is that it may be heavy and long to steer, particularly when bumping up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is often 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 it can be difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a great choice for parents with one child who want an elegant style. However the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It has an innovative frame that expands widthways to accommodate the second seat, and can be used with a variety of combinations of carrycots, buggy seats and car seats (two at a time or in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats or carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes to choosing a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to think about. If you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age, there are a number of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams are popular choices because they can be set up so that the infant can be seated in the bassinet on top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.

Some models have reversible seats that let you customize the seating arrangement for your family members throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you see your children at all times, and allows them to connect with them as they walk.

Tandem prams are usually jogging or all-terrain buggies that is why they're great for outdoor excursions and the park. They're also a good option when you have to traverse narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets because they tend to be smaller than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for example, can be used as a tandem pram starting from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). When your child grows out of the rumble chair you can change to the single pram mode. You can also opt 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 side-by-side double pram is available in a range of colours and has an attractive modern style. The design is intended to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure your baby is safe and comfy.

If you're looking for a sleek and elegant pushchair that can be converted into a side-byside double then the Egg 2 from Chicco is a great option. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of various ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also quite light and therefore an ideal option for those with small cars or limited storage space.

Convertible

Some of the top double travel buggy prams or pushchairs are made into various seats to meet your needs as they change. You can fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats while still having room for a shopping bag. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers are generally larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is user-friendly, however our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when it is not used. The City Select's clever single to double stroller-handed folding impressed our test participants but it does require some practice. It's also quite agile and responsive, despite being bigger than double strollers.

Another option that is affordable is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat and the bassinet-style mode is a fantastic option for infants (although remember that babies under four months old shouldn't sleep in strollers because of the risk of asphyxia in a position).

To be more flexible, opt for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy converts to single buggy that can hold 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 responsive and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs in our list however, it comes with a large shopping basket which is ideal for parents with bags full of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is an excellent choice. The iCandy Peach allows you to change from a single pushchair to a double pushchair with the addition of either an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our testers noted how comfortable the seats are and adore the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions, have built-in leg and foot supports and have UPF 50+ canopies with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised high to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

Cher stated that the only downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she felt that this was compensated for because it's easy to move and comes with plenty of storage space and cup holders for parents and their children seats-back pockets, as well as a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also loved that the seats can be turned so that they can face each other, which is ideal for siblings who like to interact and talk while out and out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs. It is compact and features a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the high-quality materials and workmanship, as well as the affordable price. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as some other models we've tried, and the rear seat isn't very well-lit due to its positioning as it's higher than the front seat.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular option. It is slim, sleek and easy to steer and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It is important to remember that, despite their smaller size side by side prams remain larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They may be difficult to navigate on busy footpaths or in stores. However, they're generally smaller, and can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.