Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can make life easier for families, particularly in bustling stores or on busy streets. Look for a model with ample storage space for nappies, snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair which can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and later transformed into a twin strollers for newborns-mode when the baby is born. Joolz has a variety of choices.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting the birth of a child is one of the most exciting events in life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation begins to set in, you'll have to make a number of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for. The proper stroller or pram is one of the most crucial considerations.

Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a classic design with two seats or pram bassinets arranged side by side. The front seat is typically cushioned and reclines to a flat position, making it suitable for babies and the second seat is more upright and can accommodate toddlers from around three years of age. Certain models let you select whether your children stare at each other or outwards. Many tandems can be converted to one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.

In terms of price it is 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 curbs. It's also less stable than twin prams, especially if an older child is riding in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit onto public transport and is difficult to navigate on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a fantastic choice for parents with one child who want an attractive style. However the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It comes with an innovative frame that can be expanded to accommodate the second seat, and it can be used with multiple combinations of carrycots, buggy seats and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes to choosing a double pushchair or pram there's plenty to consider. There are many configuration options available, 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 configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet on top, while the older toddler or infant sits in the second seat below.

Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the layout of your family during the infant and toddler years. This lets you keep your children always in your sight and gives them a chance to get to know each other while they walk.

Tandem prams are usually all terrain double stroller-terrain buggies or jogging ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also a good option if you need to brave narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts, as they tend to be smaller than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for instance, can be used in tandem mode right from birth, but with the addition of the Rumble seat. (PS249) It is then possible to change to a single pram mode once your child is old enough to leave the rumble seat or choose the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to transform it into a travel system from newborn to toddler.

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 elegant modern design. It is designed to be used from birth, you can also add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (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-byside. It comes in a range of infant and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings with different age ranges. It's also incredibly easy to collapse. It's also quite light, which makes it an ideal choice for families who have small cars or only a little storage space.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways and some are capable of changing seating arrangements to meet your changing family needs. It is possible to fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats with room for shopping bags. Accessories like rain covers are also available. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is extremely user-friendly, however our testers thought it was a bit heavy for the money.

Some convertible double strollers double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 has a carrycot option that is suitable for infants. This reduces the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it more compact. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold, though it does take some time to master. It's also extremely fluid and agile in spite of its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. It can be transformed from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature makes it a great option for infants.

If you're looking for more flexibility look into a convertible with dual modes such as the iCandy Peach. It's a small double buggy that can fit two children side-by-side however it can also be used as a tandem with the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It's nimble and responsive, and our test users loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight double buggy as some of the other models on our list, but it has a large basket that's great for parents who are carrying bags of toys and food items.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy if they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option 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 sleep overs). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and loved the fact that can recline in a variety of positions, feature built-in leg and foot support and have UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. The rear seat can be raised so that the older child can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher believed that this was offset by the ease to maneuver and how large the storage space is, with two hanging parent and child cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be reversed to be positioned to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who love to talk and interact when they are out and about.

A lighter and equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs only 18 lbs, is super compact and has an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to carry and store in your trunk or at home. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship and the affordable price. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't very well-lit due to its position that is higher than the front seats.

The Joolz Geo 3 is another popular choice. It's slim, sleek, and easy to steer and comes with an unbeatable lifetime warranty. While they're smaller, side-by-side prams can still be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. However, they're usually smaller, and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces than tandems.