How to Choose the Best Double Pram Pushchair for Two Children

TL;DR:

• A double pram pushchair comes in two main layouts: side by side, which is wider but tracks evenly, or tandem, which is narrower but longer.
• Weight, one-hand fold, and independent seat recline matter most if your two children are different ages.
• Check doorway and shop aisle width before buying a side by side double pram pushchair, since they're rarely under 70cm wide.
• Prices for a double pram pushchair typically start from around £297, rising with brand, features, and accessories included.

Side by Side or Tandem: The Two Layouts Explained

Every double pram pushchair falls into one of two layouts, and picking the right one shapes everything else about daily life with it.

Side by side double pram pushchairs seat both children next to each other, at the same height, facing the same direction. They track evenly and steer more predictably than tandem designs, but they're wider, which matters for doorways, buses, and shop aisles.

Tandem double pram pushchairs stack one seat behind the other, so the whole unit is narrower but longer. They fit through standard doorways more easily, though the rear seat sometimes has a more restricted view.

Neither layout is universally better. A double pram pushchair for twins close in age often works well side by side, while a tandem suits an older sibling and a newborn travelling at different heights.

What to Look For in a Double Pram Pushchair

Weight and One-Hand Fold

A double pram pushchair carrying two children is naturally heavier than a single, often 12 to 15kg before either child is even in it. A one-hand automatic fold matters more here than on a single pushchair, since you'll usually have both hands full when you need to collapse it.

Independent Recline

If your two children are different ages, independent recline on each seat is essential. It lets a younger baby nap fully reclined while an older sibling sits upright and watches the world go by, without disturbing each other.

Width and Doorway Clearance

Before buying a double pram pushchair, measure your front door, car boot, and any shop or cafe you visit often. Side by side models are rarely under 70cm wide, which catches some parents out after their first outing.

Weight Limits and Age Range

Check the maximum weight per seat, not just the overall age guide. A double pram pushchair rated from birth to around 22kg per seat will typically last from a newborn through to roughly age 4, covering most of the years you'll actually need it.

Double Pram Pushchairs Worth Knowing About

The JoviKids Ayla Twin in Urban Black is a side by side double pram pushchair suitable from birth up to 22kg per seat, at around 13kg overall. It has a one-hand automatic fold, independent multi-position recline on each seat, and magnetic five-point harnesses that make securing two children faster. It's also available in Dawn Beige, and both come with two footmuffs, a rain cover, and a travel backpack included, backed by a 5-year manufacturer's warranty on registration.

The Roma Gemini range is a slimmer double pram pushchair at just 69cm wide, built to fit through standard doorways that wider side by side models can't manage. It's suitable from birth to 22kg in each seat, with lie-flat seats, a two-step fold, and magnetic harnesses. The standard Gemini comes with one newborn carrycot included, while the Gemini Sibling Bundle includes two, better suited to parents expecting twins. Both are also available in a Dalmatian print, along with Khaki and Sunflower colourways. This range is currently being restocked, so check availability before ordering.

Safety Basics

Every double pram pushchair sold in the UK should meet the relevant BS EN 1888 safety standard, the same standard covering single prams and pushchairs. Check both children are secured with a proper five-point harness, that both sets of brakes engage firmly, and that the frame feels stable when fully loaded, not just when empty.

Budgeting for a Double Pram Pushchair

Prices for a double pram pushchair typically start from around £297 for a well-equipped lightweight model, rising for premium brands or bundles that include extra accessories. Since a double pram pushchair usually costs less than buying two single pushchairs, it's often the more economical choice for twins or close-in-age siblings even before convenience is factored in.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a double pram pushchair comes down to your children's ages, your daily doorways, and how often you'll be folding it single-handed. Side by side suits even ages and daily predictability, tandem suits tight doorways and different-height children, and either way, weight and fold matter more once there are two seats to manage rather than one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a side by side or tandem double pram pushchair better? 

Neither is better outright. Side by side suits children close in age and gives an even, predictable ride. Tandem suits narrow doorways and children at different stages.

How wide is a double pram pushchair? 

Side by side models are rarely under 70cm wide. Always measure your front door and car boot before buying, since this catches out more parents than any other spec.

Can a double pram pushchair be used from birth? 

Yes, as long as the seats fully recline flat or it includes a compatible carrycot. Check the specific model's minimum age and weight guidance before buying.

Is a double pram pushchair cheaper than two single pushchairs? 

Usually, yes. A double pram pushchair is generally more affordable than buying two separate single pushchairs, and takes up less storage space too.

What's the weight limit on a double pram pushchair? 

This varies by model, but many cover birth to around 22kg per seat, which typically lasts from a newborn through to around age 4.