Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

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

Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a pushchair that is future-proof and can be used as a single double stroller stroller at the time baby is born, and later converted to a twin mode after the baby arrives. Joolz has a variety of options.

Tandem

The announcement that you're expecting a baby is one of the most exciting events in life. However, after the initial excitement wears off and reality sinks in, you could be faced with a variety of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the best pram or pushchair.

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, which is typically padded, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is a bit higher and designed to fit toddlers as young as 3 years old. Some models allow you to select whether your children stare at each other or look outwards. A lot of tandems offer the option of being converted into a single pushchair in the event that you decide that your child's oldest no longer needs the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than a twin pram and can be a great option for parents who wish to save money, without losing safety or function. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when you're tripping over the kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is riding in the front. A tandem double buggy can also be difficult to transport on public transport and is difficult to maneuver on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good option for a single parent looking for a sleeker design however, the tandem mode can make it feel heavy and long when pushing. It comes with an innovative frame that expands in width to allow the addition of the second seat, and 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 is another lightweight tandem option that's simple to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

When it comes to choosing a double pram or pushchair, there's a lot to think about. Whether you're buying for twins or siblings who are close in age there are plenty of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams, also known as side-by-side prams, are popular choices because they can be set up 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 feature convertible seats, which means you can adapt the configuration to your family's requirements throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you keep your children always in your sight and also gives them a chance to interact with each other as they stroll.

Tandem prams are jogging buggies as well as all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles and checkouts in shops and supermarkets, as they are more compact.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram, for instance, can be used in tandem mode right from birth, but with the addition of the rumble seat. (PS249) If your child gets bored of the rumble seat, you can change to one pram mode. You can also choose to make use of the car capsule adaptors to convert it from a newborn to toddler travel system.

The Side by Side Pram by Babybee is a different alternative. This double side-byside pram comes in a variety of colours and is designed in a contemporary design. Designed to be used right from the moment of birth, you can include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

If you're looking for a sleek, stylish pushchair that converts into a side-by-side double and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a variety of carrycot and infant seat combinations to cater for twins or siblings of varying age groups. It's also easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight making it a great choice for those with small cars or limited storage space.

Convertible

Some of the top double pushchairs or prams can be made into various seats to accommodate your changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in a seat or even a third one on the seat board and have enough space for a shopping basket, and the capability to add accessories such as rain covers is also a advantage. Typically, convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they are required to be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is extremely user-friendly, however our test subjects felt it was a little heavy for the money.

Some convertible double buggy with car seat strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Select 2, have a carrycot option which is suitable for newborns. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when not in use and makes it more compact. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's unique one-handed fold. However, it requires some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller with car seat stroller is another option that is reasonably priced. It converts from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet-style mode is a great choice for infants (although keep in mind that infants under four months old shouldn't use strollers to sleep due to the risk of positional asphyxia).

If you're looking for more flexibility, consider a dual-mode convertible such as the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can accommodate two children side-by-side. It can also be used to make a tandem double stroller 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 we've reviewed, but it offers an enormous shopping basket that is great for parents who carry bags full of toys and food.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are a great alternative for parents who have one child and are expecting the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into double by the addition of a toddler seat, or the brand's carrycot (which is great for sleeping at night). Our test subjects were impressed by the comfort of the seats and loved the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions, have built-in leg and foot supports and large UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

Cher said that the one downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. However, she believed this was offset because it's easy to move and has plenty of storage, including two cup holders for parents and their children seats-back pockets, as well as an enormous basket underneath the seat. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be reversed to be positioned to face each other, which is perfect for siblings who want to interact and talk when out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option and still impressive. It weighs just 18 pounds, is compact and features a self standing fold, making it simple to transport or store in your trunk. Parents appreciate the quality of the materials and workmanship and the low price point. The only negatives are that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've tested and the rear seat isn't as visible due to its location - it is raised higher than the front seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. It's worth bearing in mind that, despite their smaller size, side by side prams are still more spacious than tandem and in-line doubles and can be tricky to navigate on busy footpaths or in stores. They're also shorter and therefore more maneuverable in tight spaces.