Cambridge Education

Choosing a Double Pram and Pushchair

A double pram can simplify the lives of families, particularly in busy shops or on busy streets. Look for a model with generous storage space for stowing nappies, snacks and other essentials.

Some parents who are new to the world choose a future-proof pushchair which can be used both as a single stroller at the time baby is born, and later converted to a twin mode after he or she arrives. Joolz offers a variety of these options.

Tandem

The news that you're about to have the birth of a child is one of the most exciting moments in your life. But, once the excitement of the beginning fades and reality sinks into your life, you'll be faced with a variety of decisions 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 important things to consider.

Tandem prams (also known as 'in-line' double prams) are a classic design that feature two seats or pram bassinets that are arranged side-by-side. The front seat, which is typically cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for newborns. The second seat is upright and is designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years. Some models come with reversible seating so you can decide if your children face one another or look at you. Many tandems can be converted into one pushchair when your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

A tandem is less expensive than a twin pram and can be an ideal choice for parents looking to save money, but without compromising safety or functionality. A tandem can be heavy and difficult to steer, especially when bumping over the kerbs. It is also less stable than twin pushchairs especially when a bigger child is in the front. A tandem can be difficult to get onto public transport and can be difficult to maneuver on narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good option for a single parent who is looking for something that is sleek however, the tandem mode can make it feel quite large and heavy when pushing. It comes with frames that can be expanded in width to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of buggy seats, car seats and carrycots (two at a time or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that is easy to use and compatible with a range of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a double pushchair or pram. There are numerous configuration options available, whether you're purchasing for twins or close-in-age siblings. Tandem prams (also called side by sides prams) are a popular choice because they can be configured to accommodate infants in a bassinet on the top while the older toddler or infant is in the lower seat below.

Some models have reversible seating that allow you to customize the layout of your family members throughout the toddler and baby years. This allows you to see your children at all times and gives them the chance to be a part of the journey as they walk.

Tandem prams can be jogging buggies, or all-terrain buggies. They are perfect for outdoor excursions, like to the park. They are also great for narrow aisles or checkouts in shops and supermarkets because they are less bulky.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for instance, can be used in tandem mode from birth, with the addition of a rumble seat. (PS249) It is then possible to switch to the single mode when your little one grows out of the rumble seat or choose the adaptors for car capsules (PS53) to turn it into a travel system from newborn to toddler.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double side-byside pram comes in a range of colors and is designed in a contemporary style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA Cocoon for newborns (PS262) and the LUNA Infant Seats (PS53 each).

The Egg 2 is a stylish sleek pushchair that can be transformed into a double buggy travel system side-by-side. It's available in a variety of carrycot and infant seat configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of varying age groups. It's also easy to fold. It's also relatively lightweight double buggy, which makes it an ideal choice for families with small cars or limited storage space.

Convertible

The best compact double stroller double prams or pushchairs can be configured into different seats to accommodate your changing needs. There is the possibility of fitting two toddlers in the seats or a third child on the seat board, and still have enough space for a shopping basket, and the ability to add accessories like rain covers is a benefit. In general, convertible double strollers are larger and heavier than single pushchairs due to the fact that they must be able to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible that is user-friendly, but our testers thought it was a little heavy for its price.

Some convertible double strollers 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 used. Our test participants were awestruck by the City Select's innovative one-handed fold, though it takes a bit of practice. It is also quite responsive and nimble in spite of its size.

Another option that is reasonably priced is an affordable option is the Cybex Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller. It can be converted from a car seat with a parent seat to a forward-facing toddler seat and the bassinet-style mode is a great option for infants (although keep in mind that infants under four months old shouldn't sleep in strollers because of the risk of asphyxia in a position).

To be more flexible, opt for a convertible with dual modes like the iCandy Peach. It's a compact double buggy that can fit two children side-by-side, but 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 quite as lightweight as the other models on our list but it comes with a big basket that is useful for parents carrying bags of toys and food items.

Lightweight

Some parents want to ensure the future of their double buggy when they have one child and are expecting another and a convertible model is a great option. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double travel buggy pushchair with the addition of an infant seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleep overs). Our testers were pleased with the comfort of the seats and love the fact that both recline to different positions, feature built-in leg and foot support and have UPF 50+ canopy with windows that peek out. The rear seat can be raised so that the older child can stand on it to reach the shopping basket.

Cher stated that the only disadvantage of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt this was offset by the fact that it is easy to maneuver and comes with plenty of storage space with two cup holders for parents and their children, seat-back pockets, and a large basket underneath the seat. Cher also loved that seats can be flipped so that they can face each other. This is ideal for siblings who want to talk and interact while out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a less heavy option and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is lightweight and features an auto-standing fold, making it easy to carry around or put in your trunk. Parents love the quality of the materials and workmanship and the price is low. The only downsides are that the seats don't recline as much as other models we've tried and the rear seat is not as visible due to its position as it is higher than the first seat.

Another popular choice 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 may be wider than tandems and inline doubles. This can make them difficult to maneuver on busy footpaths and in shops. They are also smaller, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces.