Choosing a double pram and pushchair (via Valetinowiki)

A double pram can simplify life for families, especially in busy shops or on busy streets. Find a model that has ample storage space for 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 when baby is born, and later changed to a twin mode after the baby arrives. Joolz offers a range of these options.

Tandem

The announcement that you are expecting a baby is among the most exciting events in life. However, after the excitement fades and reality begins to sink in, you may be faced with a myriad of decisions about how to prepare your family for the arrival of your little one or ones. The right pram or stroller is one of the most important things to consider.

Tandem prams (also called 'in-line' double pushchair from birth prams) are a timeless design with two bassinets or seats for prams arranged side by side. The front seat, which is usually cushioned, reclines flat and is suitable for infants. The second seat is upright and designed to accommodate toddlers as young as three years old. Some models have seats that can be reversible, so you can choose whether your children face towards each other or gaze at you. Many tandems can be made into one pushchair once your oldest child is no longer using the second seat.

In terms of price it is cheaper than a twin pushchair and is a great option for parents looking to save money, but not compromise on safety or convenience. However, a drawback of a tandem is that it may feel long and heavy to steer, especially when you're bumping up or down kerbs. It is generally less stable than a twin pram, especially if the child with the most weight is seated at the front. A tandem isn't always easy to fit on public transport, and it may be difficult to navigate narrow pavements.

The iCandy Peach is a popular model that is a good choice for a single parent who wants something streamlined, but the tandem mode can make it feel quite large and heavy when pushing. It comes with frames that can be expanded in dimensions to accommodate the second seat. It can be used with a variety of combinations of buggy seats, car seats and carrycots (two at simultaneously or separately). The iCandy Wave is another lightweight tandem option that's simple to use and compatible with a variety of carrycots and car seats.

Side by side

There are a lot of things to think about when selecting a double pushchair or pram. Whether you're buying for twins or other siblings that are similar in age there are a variety of configuration options to take into account. Tandem prams, also referred to as side-by-side prams, are popular choices due to the fact that they can be configured so that the infant is able to sit in the bassinet on top while the older child or toddler is sitting in the second seat.

Some models even have reversible 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 while they walk.

Tandem prams are typically jogging buggies or all-terrain ones which makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and the park. These are also good for narrow aisles or checkouts in supermarkets and shops because they are less bulky.

The Redsbaby JIVE3 pram for example can be used in tandem mode right from birth with the addition of a Rumble seat. (PS249) If your child gets bored of the rumble chair, you can switch to a single pram mode. You can also choose to use the car capsule adaptors to transform it from a newborn to a toddler travel system.

Another alternative is the Side by Side Pram from Babybee. This double pram side-by-side is available in a variety of colors and features an attractive modern style. Designed to be used right from birth, you can add the LUNA newborn cocoon (PS262) or the LUNA infant seats (PS53 each) to ensure that your children are secure and comfortable.

If you're seeking a sleek, elegant pushchair that can convert into a double-sided side-by-side and a side-by-side double, the Egg 2 from Chicco is an excellent choice. It's available in a range of infant seat and carrycot configurations to accommodate twins or siblings of different age groups. It's also easy to fold. It's also fairly light, which makes it an ideal choice for families who have small cars or only a little storage space.

Convertible

Some of the top double prams or pushchairs can be set up to meet your changing needs. You can fit two toddlers in seats or even a third one on the seat board and still have enough space for a shopping basket and the ability to add accessories like rain covers is also a advantage. Convertible double strollers tend to be heavier and larger than single pushchairs because they have to hold two or more children. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is one example of an affordable convertible which is very user-friendly, but our test subjects felt it was a bit heavy for the price.

Some convertible double strollers, such as the Baby Jogger City Select 2 comes with a carrycot that is suitable for infants. This helps to reduce the size of the double stroller when it is not in use and makes it more compact. The City Select's clever, one-handed folding impressed our test participants but it does require some practice. It's also very nimble and responsive, despite it being bigger than other double strollers.

The Cybex Mockingbird single-to-double stroller is another affordable option. The seat can be converted from a parent-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler seat. The bassinet feature is a great option for infants.

If you want more flexibility, consider 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 by adding a second seat kit. It feels agile and responsive, and our test users loved 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 have to carry bags of toys and groceries.

Lightweight

Some parents like to future-proof their double buggy when they have a child and are expecting another, so a convertible option is a good option. The iCandy Peach allows you to transform from a single to a double pushchair, with the addition of either a toddler seat or the brand's carrycot (which is suitable for sleeping at night). The seats are very comfortable and our testers love that they can be reclined in a variety of positions. They also like 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 high so that the child who is older can stand on it to reach the basket of shopping.

Cher said that the only downside of the iCandy Peach was its weight. But she felt this was offset because it is easy to maneuver and comes with plenty of storage space with two cup holders for parents and children as well as seat-back pockets and a large basket under the seat. Cher also loved that seats can be flipped so that they face each other, which is perfect for siblings who want to talk and interact while out and about.

The Delta Children LX Side-by-Side Stroller is a lighter option and still impressive. It weighs only 18 pounds, is lightweight and features a self standing fold, making it easy to transport or store in your trunk. Parents are impressed by the quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the cost. The only downside is that the seats don't recline as far as the other models we've tried and the back seat doesn't have great visibility because of its position that is higher than the front seat.

Another popular choice is the Joolz Geo 3, which is slim, sleek and easy to steer, with an attractive design and lifetime guarantee. It's worth bearing in mind that, despite their smaller size, side by side prams are still larger than tandems and in-line doubles. They can be difficult to navigate on busy streets or in shops. However, they're generally shorter, which means they can be more maneuverable in tight spaces than tandems.