Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A good double pram or pushchair will simplify family life, especially on busy streets or in the shops and stores. Select a model that offers plenty of storage space to store nappies as well as snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are first-time parents opt for a future-proof pushchair that can be used both as a single stroller when baby is born, and then converted 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 life's most exciting moments. But, once the excitement fades and the reality sets into your life, you'll be faced with a myriad of choices regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or one. The right pram or stroller is one of the most crucial considerations.

Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a timeless design that have two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat is typically covered in padding and reclines to a flat position, making it suitable for infants, while the second seat is more upright and is able to accommodate toddlers from around three years of age. Some models let you choose whether your children look at each other or face each other. Many tandems can be converted to one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

In terms of cost it is cheaper than a twin pushchair, and can be a great choice for parents who want to save money, but not compromise on safety or function. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when bumping over the kerbs. It's also less stable than twin pushchairs, especially if an older child is riding in the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport and is difficult to navigate on narrow roads.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model with a strong image that's a great choice for a singleton parent looking for a sleeker design, but the tandem mode can make it feel quite heavy and long when pushing. It has a frame that expands in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of car seats, buggy seats, and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave tandem is another lightweight option that's easy-to-use and compatible with a range of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a double pushchair or pram. There are numerous configuration options to choose from, whether you're buying for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are popular choices as they can be configured to accommodate infants with a bassinet at the top, while the older toddler or infant sits in the lower seat below.

Some models even have convertible seats, which means you can alter the seating arrangement to meet the needs of your family throughout the baby and toddler years. This lets you be able to watch your children at all times and allows them to be a part of the journey as they walk.

Tandem prams are usually jogging or all-terrain buggies which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. They're also a good choice when you have to traverse narrow checogger City Select 2 has 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 smaller. Our testers were impressed with the City Select's innovative one-handed fold, although it takes some practice. It's also very agile and responsive, despite its size.

Another option that is reasonably priced is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be transformed from a child-facing car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great choice for infants.

For greater flexibility, opt for a dual-mode convertible like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double stroller that can accommodate two children in a tandem. It can be used to create a tandem double stroller by incorporating a second seat kit. It is fluid and responsive, and our testers loved its sleek design. It's not as lightweight as the other models on our list but it has a large basket that's great for parents carrying bags filled with toys and other items.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are an excellent alternative for parents who have one child and are expecting another. The iCandy Peach allows you to convert from a single to a double pushchair by the addition of an infant seat or the brand's optional carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). Our test subjects were impressed by how comfortable the seats are and love the fact that they both recline to different positions, feature built-in foot and leg supports and have UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. 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.

The only issue with the iCandy Peach is that it is quite heavy, but Cher found that this was offset by its ease to move around and how big the storage area is, with two hanging parent and child cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as a large underseat storage basket. She also appreciated the seat's design, which is reversible, so they can be positioned to face each other for siblings who wish to talk and get together while out and about.

A lighter-weight but just as impressive option is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller, which weighs only 18 pounds, is extremely compact and features a self-standing fold, making it easy to transport and put in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the affordable price. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as far as some other models we've examined and the back seat isn't as well-lit due to its position that is higher than the front seats.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, and comes with an attractive design and a lifetime guarantee. While they're smaller, side-by-side prams can still be larger than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They are also smaller, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.