Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double buggy from birth pram can make life easier for families, particularly in bustling stores or on busy streets. Find a model that has ample storage space for nappies, snacks, and other essentials.

Some parents who are first-time parents choose a future proof pushchair that can be used as a single pram once baby is born, and later changed into a twin mode when the baby has arrived. Joolz has a variety of choices.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a child is among life's most exciting moments. However, once the excitement of the beginning fades and the reality sets in, you may be faced with a multitude of decisions regarding how to prepare your family for the arrival of your new one or one. The right pram or stroller is among the most important considerations.

Tandem prams, also referred as "in-line" double prams are a classic style with two seats or bassinets placed side by side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines and is suitable for babies. The second seat is a bit higher and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as 3 years old. Certain models feature reversible seating so you can choose whether your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems can be converted to one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than twin prams and can be a great option for parents who wish to save money, but without compromising safety or functionality. However, one disadvantage of a tandem is that it can be heavy and long to steer, particularly when going up or down kerbs. Additionally, it is usually less stable than a twin pram, especially if the child who is older is sitting in the front. A tandem can be difficult to place on public transport, and it can be difficult to maneuver narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach, a popular model that is focused on image, is a fantastic choice for parents who are single and want an elegant style. However the tandem mode makes it feel heavy and long to push. It's got frames that can be expanded in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of car seats, buggy seats and carrycots (two at one time or in separate). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's easy to use and compatible with a variety of car seats and carrycots.

Side by side

When it comes time to choose a double pram or pushchair there's a lot to think about. Whether you're buying for twins or siblings close in age, there are a number of configuration choices to think about. Tandem prams (also known as side by side prams) are a popular choice since they can be arranged to fit infants in a bassinet on top while the older toddler or infant sits in the seat below.

Certain models come with reversible seats which allow you to alter the configuration for your family members throughout the toddler and baby years. This will allow you to keep your little ones in sight at all times and also gives them the chance to get to know one another as they walk.

Tandem prams are usually jogging buggies or all-terrain ones that is why they're great for outdoor adventures and in the park. They're also ideal for narrow aisles and checkouts in supermarkets and shops as they are more compact.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be utilized in tandem mode from birth, with the addition of the rumble seat. (PS249) If your child is no longer a member of the rumble chair, you can switch to one pram mode. You can also opt to use the adaptors for car capsules to convert it from a newborn to toddler travel system.

Another option is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This side-by-side double pram is available in a variety of colors and features an attractive modern style. It is designed to be used from birth, you can include the LUNA newborn Cocoon (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish, sleek pushchair that can be converted into a double side-byside. It's available in a variety of infant and carrycot combinations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying ages and is super-easy to fold. It's also fairly lightweight and therefore a good choice for those who have small cars or limited space to store.

Convertible

The top double buggy with carrycot prams and pushchairs are versatile, and some are even able to change into different seating configurations to meet your family's changing needs. It is possible to fit two toddlers in seats or a third rider on the seat board, and still have space for a shopping basket, and the ability to add additional accessories such as rain covers is a plus. Convertible double strollers are generally heavier and larger than single pushchairs, as they are designed to accommodate two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow convertible is an example of an affordable convertible that is easy to use. However, our reviewers thought it was a bit heavy for the money.

Some double running buggy strollers that can be converted into convertibles like the Baby Jogger City Select 2 come with a carrycot suitable for infants. This allows the double stroller to be compacted and reduced in size when not being used. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's clever one-handed fold, though it requires some practice. It also feels quite nimble and agile, despite being larger than double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller with bassinet (bbs.theviko.com) stroller is another affordable option. It can be transformed from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet-style mode is a great option for infants.

If you're looking to expand your options look into a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. This is a narrow double buggy which can accommodate two children in a row and can be used as a tandem with the addition of a second-seat kit and rider board. It is nimble and agile, and our testers were impressed by its sleek design. It's not as light like some of the other models on our list, however it does come with a huge basket that is useful for parents who are carrying bags full of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Convertible double strollers are a great option for parents who already have children and anticipate the arrival of a second. The iCandy Peach can be converted from a single pushchair double with the addition of a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which works well to sleep at night). Our test subjects were impressed by the comfort of the seats and love the fact that they can recline in a variety of positions, come with built-in leg and foot support and generous UPF 50+ canopy with peekaboo windows. 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 believed that this was offset by the ease to manoeuvre and how spacious the storage space is equipped with two hanging child and parent cup holders with seat-back pockets as well as a large underseat basket. Cher also appreciated that the seats can be turned to face each other. This is great for siblings who want to talk and interact while out and out and about.

A lighter, but equally impressive choice is the Delta Children LX side-by-side stroller that weighs just 18 pounds, is extremely compact and features an auto-standing fold that makes it easy to transport and store in your trunk or at home. Parents are impressed by the quality of the materials and workmanship as well as the price is low. The only issue is that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've tried and the back seat isn't as well-lit because of its position - it's raised higher than the front seat.

Another popular option is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim sleek, stylish and easy to steer, with an appealing design and a lifetime guarantee. Although they are narrower than side-by-side strollers, they can be more spacious than tandems and inline doubles. This makes them difficult to maneuver around busy footpaths and in shops. They are also smaller which makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.