Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double single pushchair pram can simplify life for families, particularly in bustling shopping centers or on busy streets. Look for a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, 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 converted into a twin mode when the baby is born. Joolz offers a wide range of options.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a baby is one of life's most exciting experiences. But, once the excitement of the beginning fades and reality begins to sink in, you could be faced with a variety of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. The right pram or stroller is one of the most compact double stroller important considerations.

Tandem prams (also called "in-line" double prams) are a classic design with two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually padded, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and designed to fit toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models come with the option of reversible seating, which lets you choose to have your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer in need of the second seat.

In terms of price the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. A tandem can be a bit heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over curbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to transport on public transport and is difficult to navigate on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a great choice for a single parent who wants 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 a variety of combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's simple to use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes to selecting a double pushchair or pram there's plenty to think about. There are numerous configuration options to choose from, regardless of whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice since they can be configured to fit infants in a bassinet on top while the older toddler or infant is in the second seat below.

Some models even have convertible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to your family's requirements throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your children in sight at all times and gives them a chance to get to know each other as they stroll.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are ideal for outdoor excursions, such as to the park. They're also a good choice for those who have to navigate narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts because they are generally more compact than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be used in tandem mode right from birth with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) You can then switch to the single pram mode when your little one grows out of the rumble seat or select the car capsule adaptors (PS53) to transform it into a travel system from newborn to toddler.

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. The double buggy with car seat side-by-side pram is available in a range of colors and is designed with a modern style. 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 your little ones are comfortable and safe.

The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-by-side. It's available in a range of carrycot and infant seat combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of various ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also quite light and therefore an ideal choice for families who have small cars or only a little storage space.

Convertible

The top double prams and pushchairs are versatile and some are capable of changing seating arrangements to meet your family's changing needs. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in the seats or a third rider on the seat board, and still have room for a basket to store your shopping, and the capability to add accessories like rain covers is a advantage. Most convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they are required to be able to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one instance of a low-cost convertible which is very easy to use, although our test subjects felt it was a little heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot which is suitable for newborns. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not used. The City Select's clever single-handed folding impressed our test subjects, but it takes some time to master. It is also quite responsive and nimble in spite of its size.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It converts from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat, and the bassinet mode is a great choice for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should not sleep in strollers because of the risk of positional asphyxia).

For more flexibility, look for a convertible that has dual modes like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy which can accommodate two children in a row, but it can also be used as a tandem by the addition of a second seat kit and rider board. It's responsive and agile and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not quite as lightweight like some of the other models we've reviewed, however it does come with a huge basket that is useful for parents who are carrying bags filled with toys and other items.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent option for parents who have one child and are expecting the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair by the addition of either a toddler seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for overnight sleeping). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love that they can recline in multiple positions. They also like the fact that the canopy has a window that peeks out and offers UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can also be lifted high to offer an elevated platform for the child to get off and on to allow them to reach things in the shopping basket.

Cher said that the one negative aspect of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset by the fact that it's easy to move and offers plenty of storage space and cup holders for children and parents seats-back pockets, as well as an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also loved that the seats can be reversed to be positioned to face each other, which is perfect for siblings who like to talk and interact when they are out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option however, it is still awe-inspiring. It weighs only 18 pounds, is compact, and has an auto-standing fold, making it easy to transport or put in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the price is low. The only downsides are that the seats don't recline as much compared to other models we have tested and the rear seat isn't as visible due to its location and height. It is higher than the seat in front.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It's worth bearing in mind that despite their narrower design side by side by side double stroller prams are larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate on busy streets or in shops. They are also shorter, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.