Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double stroller with bassinet pram can simplify life for families, particularly in busy stores or on busy streets. Pick a model with ample storage space for nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.

Some first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram when bub is born and then changed into a twin mode when the baby has arrived. Joolz offers a range of options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting the birth of a child is one of the most exciting moments in your life. After the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation sets in, you will have to make a number of options for how to prepare your family for. The right pram or stroller is one of the most important things to consider.

tandem double stroller prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a classic style with two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is more upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Some models have reversible seating so you can choose whether your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.

In terms of cost, a tandem is much cheaper than a twin pushchair and can be an excellent choice for parents looking to save money but not compromising on safety or convenience. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is seated in the front. A tandem can also be tricky to transport on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a fantastic alternative for parents with one child who want a sleeker design. However the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It features a clever frame that expands in width to allow for the addition of the second seat, and is compatible with many combinations of carrycots, buggy chairs 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 variety of car seats or carrycots.

Side by side

There are many aspects to take into consideration when selecting a double pram or pushchair. There are numerous 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 a popular choices because they can be configured so that the infant can sit in the bassinet at the top while the older child or toddler is seated in the second seat.

Some models even have seats that can be reversible, meaning you can adapt the configuration to suit your family's needs throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and gives them the chance to interact as they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies or all-terrain buggies. They are great for outdoor excursions, such as to the park. They're also a great option for those who have to navigate narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts because they are generally 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). Then, you can switch to the single mode once your child grows out of the rumble seat, or use the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a travel system for newborn to toddler.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed with a modern design. Designed to be used right from birth, you can include 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's available in a variety of infant seat and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying age groups. It's also easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight, which makes it a great choice for those who have small cars or only a little storage space.

Convertible

Some of the best double stroller double prams or pushchairs are set up to meet your changing needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in a seat or a third rider on the seat board and still have space for a basket to store your shopping, and the ability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is another plus. Most convertible double strollers are more spacious and heavier than single pushchairs as they must be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of a very inexpensive convertible that is very easy to use. However, our test participants found it to be a bit heavy for the price.

Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not in use and makes it more compact. The City Select's innovative folding system that is one-handed impressed our testers but it does require some practice. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet option is a great option for infants (although be aware that babies younger than four months old shouldn't use strollers to sleep due to the risk of asphyxia in a position).

For more flexibility, look for a convertible that has dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can accommodate two children in a tandem. It can also be used to make a tandem by adding a second seating kit. It's responsive and agile, and our testers liked its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs in our list however it does come with an enormous shopping basket that is ideal for parents with bags full of toys and food.

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 good option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into a double buggy newborn with the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is ideal for sleeping at night). The seats are extremely comfortable and our test subjects love the fact that they can recline in various positions. They also love the feature that the canopy comes with an open window that can be seen from afar and has 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, but Cher believed that this was balanced by how easy it is to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage space is equipped with two hanging child and parent cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat storage basket. Cher also appreciated that seats can be flipped so that they face each other, which is ideal for siblings who like to chat and have conversations while out and about.

A lighter, but equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 lbs, is super compact and has a self-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents love the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the affordable price. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as the other models we've tested and the back seat isn't very well-lit due to its position - it's raised higher than the front seat.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower, side-by-side prams can still be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver on busy streets and in shops. They are also shorter, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.