Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A good small double stroller pram or pushchair can simplify life for families, particularly when walking on busy roads or in stores and shops. Find a model that has generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are new to the world choose a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and transformed into a twin stroller-mode when the baby is born. Joolz provides a variety of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is among the most exciting events in life. However, once the excitement fades and reality begins to sink into your life, you'll be faced with a variety of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. The proper stroller or pram is one of the most crucial considerations.

Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a timeless design that feature two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side-by-side. The front seat is typically padded and reclines to a flat angle, making it suitable for newborns and the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years older. Certain models feature reversible seating so you can choose whether your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems can be converted into a single pushchair when your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.

A tandem is cheaper than a twin pram and can be an ideal choice for parents looking to save money, but without compromising safety or functionality. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, particularly when negotiating the kerbs. It is also less stable than twin prams especially when a bigger child is in the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transportation, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model with a focus on image, is a fantastic choice for a single parent who wants a sleeker style. However the tandem mode makes it feel long and heavy to push. It's got frames that can be expanded in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of buggy seats, car seats, and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's user-friendly and compatible with a range of car seats or carrycots.

Side by side

There are many things to consider when choosing a small double stroller pushchair or pram. Whether you're buying for twins or siblings close in age there are plenty of configuration options to consider. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams, are a popular choices because they can be set up in a way that the infant can be seated in the bassinet on top while the toddler or older child is seated in the second seat.

Some models even feature convertible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to see your children at all times and allows them to connect with them while they walk.

Tandem prams are typically all-terrain buggies or jogging ones, which means they're ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also a good option for those who have to navigate narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets as they are generally more compact 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). It is then possible to switch to the single pram mode when your little one is old enough to leave the rumble seat or select the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to turn it into a travel system for infant to toddler.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is another alternative. This double side-by-side pram comes in a variety of colors and is designed with a modern design. It is designed to be used from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be converted into a double side-by-side. It's available in a range of infant seat and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight double pushchair, which makes it a great choice for those with smaller cars or a limited storage space.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are able to be used in multiple ways and some are able to change into different seating configurations to meet your family's changing needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in seats or even a third one on the seat board, and still have room for a shopping basket, and the ability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is also a advantage. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and bulkier than single pushchairs because they need to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is extremely easy to use, although our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for the price.

Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for babies. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not being used and makes it more compact. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's unique one-handed fold, although it takes some practice. It is also quite agile and responsive even despite its size.

Another option that is reasonably priced 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 seat and the bassinet-style mode is a fantastic option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should not use strollers to sleep due to the risk of positional asphyxia).

To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double pram stroller buggy that can hold 2 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 feels agile and responsive, and our test users liked its sleek design. It's not as light as the other models on our list but it has a large basket that's great for parents carrying bags full of toys and other items.

Lightweight

Some parents prefer to secure their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a great 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 optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleep overs). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers love the fact that they can recline in various positions. They also like the design of the canopy, which has a peekaboo window and UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be elevated to provide a a standing platform for the older child to climb on and off, to allow them to reach things in the basket of groceries.

The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy. However, Cher believed that this was balanced by how easy it is to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage space is equipped with two hanging parent and child cup holders, seat-back pockets and a large underseat basket. Cher also liked that the seats can be reversed so that they can face each other. This is great for siblings who want to talk and interact while out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is lightweight and features self-standing fold, making it easy to transport or store in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the affordable price. The only downsides are that the seats do not recline as well as other models we've tried and the rear seat is not as visible due to its position as it is 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 warranty. It is important to remember that despite their narrower design side by side prams remain more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be tricky to navigate on busy footpaths or in stores. They are also smaller and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.