Choosing the Right Pram

2-in-1 pram/pushchair

What is it?

A 2-in-1 combination includes:

A collapsible chassis with fixed shopping basket or tray
A seat unit with a hood and apron which converts it from being a pram when fully reclined to a pushchair when it’s upright

Is it for me?

It is suitable from newborn to children up to around 3
It is likely to be a more economical buy than a 3-in-1
It gives you the comfort of a pram and the convenience of a pushchair in one item, although it may not always be as sturdy as a pram with a separate carrycot
The latest 2-in-1s have the facility for the top unit to be lifted off the chassis in pram mode, like a carrycot. However, because this unit is also the pushchair, it has the safety harness fixed in place, which means that the baby lies on the harness. Some manufacturers have overcome this by including a padded liner or thin mattress
Though it is easier to store than a 3-in-1 it is still quite bulky in the car boot

3-in-1 pram/pushchair

What is it?

A 3-in-1 combination includes:

A chassis A set of wheels attached to a frame - which collapses to fold, and usually has a shopping tray or basket fitted
A pram unit A separate carrycot with mattress which attaches to the chassis, plus a hood and apron which may detach to go on to the pushchair. The carrycot can also be used off the chassis for your baby to sleep in. Some 3-in-1s are now sold with a fitting kit so that the carrycot can be attached to the back seat of the car, with the baby harnessed inside
A pushchair unit A separate reclining seat which can be locked onto the chassis either forward or rear facing

Is it for me?

A 3-in-1 is suitable for a newborn baby (with the carrycot, or pushchair unit in full lie-back position) right up to a child of around 3 years
The carrycot off the chassis is a useful additional place for the baby to sleep, particularly if you aren’t buying a Moses basket or crib
You need space to store the parts you aren’t using
Converting it from pram to pushchair can be tricky and isn’t something you would do every day
It can be quite bulky and takes up a lot of room even when collapsed

3-Wheel Joggers

Here is a short list of what to consider when selecting a stroller:

Weight. All of the strollers are relatively heavy averaging about 20 lbs or 9 kilos. Add the weight of the child and any gear you may be bringing on your run, and you’ve got a sizeable load. Try to find the lightest model that satisfies your other specifications. Check the carrying capacity of the stroller to ensure that your child will be safely supported, as they grow heavier.
Storage. Ask your self how much space in your home you have to stow this item and consider if your will be loading the stroller into your car. Remember, a jogging stroller will not replace your lightweight everyday stroller! You may decide you need a quick release model that folds up quickly and takes up precious little closet space or you may opt for a sportier model with a cotter-pin release and larger wheels that requires more storage room. Quick release wheels are a handy if you have a car and plan to bring your stroller on outings.
Carrying capacity. Consider the weight and age of your child when selecting a model. Some brands convert to double strollers that accommodate two children. Another factor to consider is the stroller’s space for your gear. Is there room for water bottles, diapers, extra blankets, etc. that you may want before, during or after your run?
Suspension system. Select a stroller that dampens bumps and vibrations. Try to take the stroller out for a test drive before purchase to check wheel resistance.

Twin Buggies

Some things to consider when choosing double pushchair
There's one fact that's inescapable. If you're used to a single one pretty much any double pushchair can seem impossibly heavy and cumbersome. Nevertheless some are more cumbersome than others and thinking about your needs and lifestyle before you buy can save you unnecessary perspiration.

If you live up or down stairs, weight, portability and folding mechanisms will probably be key for you. If you walk a lot you'll be doing a lot of shopping with your pushchair, so look out for a model that scores highly in the shopping basket category. If you drive at all, you need a pushchair that fits into the boot of your car (and doubles are too big for many car boots so make sure you check in advance). If you're an outdoor type, forever visiting countryside and beach, with a large boot and lots of storage space, then a 3/4-wheeler or all-terrain pushchair is probably right up your street. And they look really cool too (if that matters). New babies need to be able to lie flat for about the first 3 months and until they can support their heads fully (around 6 months) they won't be fantastically comfortable being bolt upright. Either you need a pushchair that adapts with the child (i.e. think seat positions) or a different pushchair for each stage.

These are some crucial things to consider before you make your decision

1. Do you really need a double pushchair?

If you have twins the answer is yes. If you have a baby and toddler close in age, then it's more than likely. If, on the other hand, your toddler will be almost out of the pushchair when the baby arrives, you may be able to manage with the baby in a sling and the toddler in the pushchair; followed by the baby in the pushchair and the toddler on a Buggyboard or Kiddyboard (see below).

2. Tandem or Side by Side?

Tandem - one seat in front of the other is usually only suitable for a baby and toddler, as only the back seat reclines fully. In principle it could work for twins over 6 months, but anticipate toddler tantrums about who goes in the front.

The advantage of the Tandem is that it is only as wide as a single pushchair, so getting through doorways is easy - however its length may mean some lifts and small spaces are out of bounds. Folding mechanisms also seem to be trickier and there's no doubt tandems are generally bulkier once folded - so think storage and boot space. Manoeuvrability can also be an issue - with a baby in the back and a heavy toddler in the front, getting up pavements can take considerable strength.

Side by Side - Fine for twins, or toddler and baby as long as you get one that reclines fully. On almost all models both seats have separate operating systems so both children can sleep or sit up as they wish. The big concern with this type of double is will it fit through doorways and into your hall? The ‘standard' door width in the UK is 79cms - and all are designed to fit through that. Some, though, are slimmer than others, which is great for getting around but watch that the seats aren't too narrow for growing toddlers.

3. Weight

Double pushchairs are heavy - there's no getting away from it. Especially if you've been used to a lightweight single stroller, they can seem impossible to lift in and out of the car and up steps. There's not much you can do about this, except look out for the lighter models and develop those muscles quickly.

4. Folding mechanism

This is particularly important when you have two children to control. If you've got a baby and toddler, it might be worth looking specifically for an umbrella fold - assuming the toddler will stand in one place, you could feasibly fold the chair whilst holding the baby under one arm. With crawling twins, it's going to be impossible to hold both at once and fold even the most perfect double pushchair - but it's still worth making sure it's a quick and easy process - limiting the time you have to leave them to their own devices.

5. All mod cons

As with single pushchairs, doubles can come with travel systems, carrycots, one baby car seat to go on back of tandem etc. All of it pushes up cost and weight, but if it's important to you to be able to transfer a sleeping baby from the car to a pram and vice versa - you may think it's worth it.

The ATP (all terrain pushchair) has also made it to the doubles market. Costly and with all the same bulkiness and portability concerns as the single model, they nevertheless score points on looks, maneouvrability and the fact that they can go anywhere. But if you struggled to fit the single version in the boot of your Fiesta - don't even think about one of these.

6. Buggyboards/Kiddyboards

These are skateboard-type mechanisms that fit onto the back of most pushchairs and prams (Kiddyboard) and umbrella-fold buggies (Buggyboard). Looks like great fun and we've heard most toddlers love them. Makes the buggy heavy and some parents had safety concerns i.e. that toddler might jump off and make a run for it - but if you think you can handle that, these may save you a lot of time, money and energy.