Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A well-designed GYMAX Double Seat Stroller: Adjustable Push Handle Pram pram or pushchair will simplify the lives of families, especially when walking on busy roads or in shops and stores. Look for a model with ample storage space to store nappies, snacks and other essentials.

Some first-time parents choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and then changed to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a range of choices.

Tandem

The news that you're about to have a baby is one of the most exciting events in life. However, after the excitement of the beginning fades and reality begins to sink in, you could be faced with a multitude of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. One of the most important considerations is choosing the best pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double prams) are a timeless design that feature 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 a bit higher and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years. Some models let you decide if your children will look at each other or face each other. A lot of tandems offer the option of being converted into a single pushchair if you decide that your oldest child does not require the second seat.

In terms of cost the tandem is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be an excellent choice for parents who want to save money without compromising on safety or functionality. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when negotiating the kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs especially when a bigger child is seated in the front. A tandem can be difficult to fit onto public transport and is difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a single parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel large and heavy when pushing. It has an innovative frame that expands in width 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 in separate). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a variety of carrycots or car seats.

Side by side

There are many things to take into consideration when selecting a double pram or pushchair. There are a variety of 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 popular choices because they can be set up in a way that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet at the top while the toddler or older child is sitting in the second chair.

Some models come with convertible seats, which means you can modify the seating to suit your family's needs throughout the toddler and Pushchairsandprams baby years. This lets you keep your little ones always in your sights and also gives them the chance to get to know one another as they walk.

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 option for those who have to navigate narrow checkout aisles or isles in supermarkets as they're generally more compact than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in dual mode by adding the use of the rumble seat (PS249). If your child is no longer a member of the rumble chair, you can change to one pram mode. You may also opt to make use of the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn into a toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram made by Babybee is a different alternative. This GYMAX Double Seat Stroller: Adjustable Handle Grey pram side-by-side is available in a variety 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 children are secure and comfortable.

If you're seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a double-sided side-by-side and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a variety of infant seats and carrycots to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It's also incredibly easy to fold. It's also quite light, which makes it an ideal choice for families with small cars or limited storage space.

Convertible

Some of the top double pushchairs or prams can be set up to meet your needs as they change. You can fit up to three children on the seat board, or two toddlers in the seats and still have enough space to carry a shopping bag. Accessories such as rain covers are also available. Typically, convertible double strollers are bigger 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 affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our testers found it to be somewhat heavy for the money.

Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 include a carrycot suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not being used. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's unique one-handed fold, though it takes some time to master. It's also very agile and responsive in spite of its size.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler seat, and the bassinet mode is a great option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under 4 months old should not use strollers to sleep due to 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 which can accommodate 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's responsive and agile and our test participants loved its sleek design. It's not as light as the other pushchairs we've reviewed however it does come with an enormous shopping basket that is handy for parents carrying bags full of groceries and toys.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative 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, with the addition of an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleep overs). The seats are extremely comfortable and our testers appreciate the fact that they can recline in various positions. They also appreciate 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 lifted high to offer an elevated platform for a child to climb on and off, to allow them to reach things in the basket of groceries.

The only downside to the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher found that this was balanced by how easy it is to maneuver and how large the storage area is, with two hanging child and parent cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat storage basket. Cher also loved that the seats can be turned so that they can be positioned to face each other, which is great for siblings who like to chat and have conversations when out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option, but still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is lightweight and features an auto-standing fold, making it simple to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, and the low cost. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as some other models we've tested, and the rear seat isn't very well-lit because of its position as it's higher than the front seat.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, and comes with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. It's worth bearing in mind that, despite their slimmer design, side by side prams remain more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate on busy streets or in shops. They are also shorter and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces.