Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double tandem pushchair 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 future-proof pushchair that can be used as a single stroller when baby is born, and later changed to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a range of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a child is among the most exciting events in life. When the excitement wears off and the reality of the situation kicks in, you will be faced with many choices regarding how to prepare your family. One of the most important things to consider is choosing the right pram or pushchair.

Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams, are a classic style with two bassinets or seats placed side-by-side. The front seat is typically cushioned and reclines to a flat position making it suitable for babies while the second one is more upright and can accommodate toddlers from around three years older. Some models have the option of reversible seating, which lets you decide if your children face each other or look out at you. Many tandems also have the option of being converted into a single pushchair if you decide that your oldest child does not require the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than a twin stroller with car seats pram and is a great option for parents who wish to save money, but without losing safety or function. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it could be a bit heavy and lengthy to steer, particularly when going up or down kerbs, and it is usually less stable than a twin pram, especially if the child who is older is sitting in the front. A tandem can also be difficult to transport on public transport and is difficult to navigate on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach is a popular image-conscious model that's a great choice for a single parent looking for a sleeker design however the tandem mode can make it feel long and heavy when pushing. It comes with an innovative frame that expands widthways to accommodate the second seat, and it can be used with a variety of combinations of buggy seats, carrycots and car seats (two at once or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a range of car seats or carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes to selecting a double buggy with car seat pushchair or pram there's plenty to think about. If you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar 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 so that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet in the middle while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.

Some models have reversible seats which allow you to alter the configuration for your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times, and allows them to interact when 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 choice if you need to brave narrow aisles in the supermarket or at checkouts because they are generally more compact than single-seaters.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 Pram, for instance, can be used as a tandem pram right from birth in the dual mode, with the addition of the rumble seat (PS249). When your child grows out of the rumble seat, you can change to one pram mode. You can 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 from Babybee is another option. This double side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed with a contemporary design. It is designed to be used from birth, you can include the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish elegant pushchair that can be transformed into a thule double stroller side-byside. It's available in a range of infant seat and carrycot combinations to cater for twins or siblings of different age groups. It's also easy to fold. It is also relatively lightweight, making it a good option for those with smaller vehicles or have limited space for storage.

Convertible

Some of the best double pushchairs or prams can be configured into different seats to accommodate your changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in a seat or a third child on the seat board and have space for a shopping basket, and the ability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is another benefit. Most convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs because they must be capable of holding two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is simple to use. However, our testers considered it to be a bit heavy for the price.

Some double strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 have a carrycot that is suitable for babies. This allows the double stroller to be folded down and reduced in size when not used. Our test subjects were awed by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold, though it takes some time to master. It also feels quite nimble and responsive, despite being bigger than other double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double 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 fantastic option for infants (although be aware that babies younger than 4 months old should not sleep in strollers because of the risk of positional asphyxia).

To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes 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 is responsive and nimble and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as light as some of the other pushchairs on our list however it does come with a large shopping basket which is great for parents who carry bags full of groceries and toys.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double pushchair if they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a great option. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair into a double with the addition of a toddler's seat, or the brand's carrycot (which works well for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers appreciate that they can recline in multiple positions. They also love the design of the canopy, which has an open window that can be seen from afar and has UPF 50+ protection. The rear seat can be raised to allow the child of a higher age can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

The only drawback of the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, however Cher felt it was balanced by its ease to move around and how big the storage space is equipped with two hanging parent and child cup holders as well as seat-back pockets, and a large underseat storage basket. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be reversed to face each other, which is ideal for siblings who like to talk and interact when out and 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 are impressed by the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the low price point. The only drawback is that the seats don't recline as much as some other models we've tested and the back seat isn't very well-lit due to its position that is higher than the front seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim and sleek. It is also easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower than side-by-side strollers, they can be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They're also shorter, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.