Parents of twins or multiple kids will undoubtedly consider buying a double pram at some point. In this article, we look at some of the most popular and highly rated tandem prams (also known as inline prams) available in Australia for under $2,000.
A growing family will require an extra seat on the stroller at some stage. This is a big upgrade and the cost of doing so can be high, so you want to make sure you get a model that is compatible with your lifestyle.
Which double pram is better – tandem or side-by-side?
The pros and cons of tandem and side-by-side prams are fairly apparent – the tandem has inline seats that make it narrower, more compact and easier to manoeuvre; the side-by-side, on the other hand, is at least twice the width of tandem, and you don’t have the option of using it as a single-seat pram only.
Generally speaking, side-by-side prams are great for parents with twins, or very closely aged children (less than two years apart), who may both have the same needs at the same time.
The problem with tandem prams is that siblings will often fight over one particular seat, making outings a lot more stressful than it needs to be. Side-by-side prams eliminate this problem as both children will be getting the same front seat view.
However, the flexible configurations of a tandem pram make it more suitable for growing families. Most tandem prams come with a bassinet and single seat, with the second seat often available as an add-on or part of a package deal. The various seating arrangements mean you can use it for a single child and it grows with each additional child, even up to three kids with the addition of a universal pram buggy board.
We’ve had our Redsbaby tandem pram since our firstborn and it’s lasted us through three kids. You can read my in-depth review of the first generation Redsbaby Jive tandem pram here.
Price & Specification Comparison
The following tandem double prams are ranked by taking into consideration the biggest determining factors which are important to parents:
- Weight – Even a 0.5kg difference in weight can make the pram a lot easier for a single person to manoeuvre, fold, and move it to/from the car while wrangling two kiddies.
- Dimension – The smaller is obviously the better, considering narrow supermarket aisles and other confined spaces that make it tricky to manoeuvre a bulky pram.
- Price – Most parents are willing to pay a bit more for better quality, but to be realistic with most families’ budget, we’ve only included prams that are under $2,000, and this is inclusive of the second seat.
- Reviews – Customer reviews is one of the most reliable ways to make a decision. For this comparison, we’ve obtained ratings from ProductReview – Australia’s largest and most trusted product review site – and only included brands with at least 4.0 rating.
| Rank | Brand | Weight with one seat | Open size | Best price* | Customer rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Babybee Duo | 12.7kg | W: 60cm L: 86cm | $800 | 4.8 |
| 2 | Redsbaby Jive3 | 11.9kg | W: 58.5cm L: 92cm | $1,099 | 4.7 |
| 3 | Britax Flexx | 12kg | W: 60cm L: 97cm | $1,268 | 4.4 |
| 4 | UppaBaby Vista 2018 | 12kg | W: 65cm L: 94cm | $1,645 | 4.7 |
| 5 | Baby Jogger City Select | 12.5kg | W: 65cm L: 97cm | $749 + $349 2nd seat | 4.2 |
| 6 | Joovy Scooter X2 | 14.5kg (2 seats) | W:76cm L: 81cm | Check Price | NA |
| 7 | VeeBee Doubletake | 12kg | W:54cm L: 108cm | $339 | 2.9 |
| 8 | Valco Baby Snap Duo | 9.8kg (2 seats) | W: 75cm L: 94cm | $619 | 4.3 |
*Prices rounded up; all information accurate as at 29 March 2021
These ranking criteria favour tandem prams over side by side. However, we think it is important to have a broad spectrum of pram reviews so you will find a mix of both in this article.
It is also important to understand what inclusions you get with your purchase price. We have detailed this in each review so that you have the context around your price expectations. For example, some double prams still require you to buy an extra seat in order to set up and operate in this way.
Best Double Prams in Australia
1. Babybee Duo – Best Value Double Pram
A new kid on the block in the pram industry, the Babybee Duo is the award winner of the 2020 ProductReview.com.au Awards in two categories – 4-Wheels Prams & Double Prams.
The Babybee Duo took the market by surprise in 2019, overtaking its biggest Australian rival – the Redsbaby Jive – and emerging as the winner in not just one, but two award categories in 2020.
From the comparison table above, its most apparent advantage over the Jive is pricing. Coming in at almost $300 cheaper, it is definitely the most affordable and highest rated double pram in Australia.
However, diving deeper into its features, there are even more areas where it trumps the Redsbaby Jive:
1) Included handlebar bag – The inclusion of the Babybee Duo pram organiser will be a lifesaver for many parents. Not only can it hold coffee cups and milk bottles, but you can also pack wet wipes and nappies in it too. The Jive requires you to purchase their pram organiser separately for $34.95.
2) In-built UPF 50+ mosquito/sleep cover – This is such a useful feature for the Australian climate, particularly when we get high UV ratings most of the year. This cover is built-in for BOTH seats, which would otherwise cost you an extra $50 to get sun & sleep shade for the Jive.
3) Included rain covers x 2 and seat liners x 2 – Another added bonus feature, having the rain covers and seat liners included in your tandem set package. All four items would separately cost you $90 for the Jive seat liners and $70 for the rain covers.
4) Outstanding suspension for a smooth ride – Premium comfort for your children at a reasonable price.
In total, for the same features of the Babybee Duo, the Redsbaby Jive would be costing you an extra $545, which is a pretty big figure considering they’re both rated 4.8/5.0 by customers.
With the standard inclusions, you can also buy with confidence knowing you don’t have all these annoying little extras to buy.
Given all these extra benefits and difference in pricing, it’s no question why Babybee Duo is the award winner and top-ranking double pram on the list.
One area where the DUO2 came up short was on the total weight of the unit. The frame is 0.6kgs heavier than the Uppababy Vista. With two seats installed the stroller weighs a total of 16.1kgs.
This is a manageable total weight in practical terms, but a small area where the higher-priced type of double pram has an advantage.
2. Redsbaby Jive3 – Best Lightweight Double Pram
An Australia designed pram, the Redsbaby Jive has evolved from the first generation (released in 2015) to the current third generation (2020). It was the winner of Productreview.com.au Awards 2017 and 2018.
Pricing aside, the Redsbaby Jive3 is still a very good tandem pram and rivals all other prams on this list in every aspect. I’ve personally owned the original Jive (released in 2015) and is delighted to see that the Jive3 has made significant improvements and worked out a lot of the kinks in the Jive.
I go into a lot more details in my review and comparison of the original Jive vs Jive3. Here is a quick summary of the improvements in the updated model.
- Larger extended sun canopy that almost reach the handlebar providing great protection for babies.
- Improved brake design with a more accessible pedal to activate.
- Larger, but removable storage area.
If you are after a lighter weight option than the Babydee Duo then the Redsbaby also comes in at just 8.3kgs, vs the 9.7kg frame of the Babydee.
3. Britax Flexx – – Best Double Pram for Naptime
One of the most affordable tandem prams on the list, the Britax Flexx has several unique features that sets it apart from the rest.
Although its customer rating is 4.4, lower than the UppaBaby Vista (4.7), I’ve placed the Britax Flexx higher in rank because of its price point. At a total of $1,070 for a tandem set, the Britax Flexx saves you $529 compared to the UppaBaby, which I personally think is a decent amount of saving.
Some of the best unique features of the Britax Flexx include:
- Extendable storage basket in two-seat configuration – This is a big bonus because a lot of tandem prams hardly have any storage space once you insert a second lower seat.
- Both seats can be lowered and transformed into a bassinet – Instead of swapping out the seats with a bassinet, you can use either one as a bassinet simply by lowering them into full recline positions.
- Can be folded with the main seat facing either direction – Most tandem prams can only fold with the main seat facing forward, which isn’t ideal when you have a newborn that needs to be facing you most of the time.
You also get a rain cover, boot cover, and bumper bar all included.
This stroller is also travel system compatible with the Britax Safe-n-Sound Unity and Unity NEOS Baby Capsule but you will need to buy adapters separately to ensure they are safe to use as car seats.
Remember that the second seat is an additional purchase. But, this still comes out as a cheaper option than the next double stroller on our list.
4. UppaBaby Vista V2 – – Best Double Pram for Twins
An award winner in the category of 4-Wheels Prams in the 2019 ProductReview.com.au Awards, the UppaBaby Vista 2018 has a unique tandem design.
To fully appreciate the UPPAbaby Vista V2 (and the expense that it requires!) you may have to imagine its full lifecycle of potential use.
Let’s start with your first newborn. The included bassinet turns your pram into a baby buggy with a flat bassinet so your newborn can lay down and sleep wherever you go.
As they get older you switch over to the toddler seat. Which you can face towards or opposite you.
When your second baby comes along you can shift the toddler seat forward and place the bassinet behind this and close to you.
And again, as they get old enough you swap this for the second toddler seat.
The tiered configuration of the seats allows for both children to have a great view of the scenery without one seat blocking another. This is a huge plus and prevents any jostling for that front seat – especially if you have twins of the same age who develop similar levels of awareness.
This is why we think it’s a great twin stroller option.
You can reverse both seats so they are facing towards you, but the tiered system will block the view of the front seat in this case.
You can add on a third seat later on if you need to. So from your first child, to when your third graduates from the stroller you could be using the Uppababy Vista throughout.
There are also additional expansions that you can purchase separately for the pram:
- Piggyback ride along board – similar to a sit and stand platform.
- Extra Rumbleseat – for if you wanted to add a third child seat.
- Uppababy Mesa infant car seat – fully compatible so you can use your pram as a travel stroller.
The price tag is high for this premium stroller. But the flexible use and longevity of the design could see you using this for 10+ years. This significantly improves the value that the Uppababy offers.
Some other features to take note of:
- Huge storage basket (you’ll need it if carrying 2/3 kids!)
- Canopy has a standard fold, and is extendable with a zipper if extra coverage needed for nap time.
- When folded the collapsed stroller stands on itself sideways. This will save your back, and make it easy to fold and store.
Despite being the most expensive option on this list, it’s easy to see why the UppaBaby Vista was an award winner. Its creative and highly practical design makes it an easy pram for the family to love.
Plus the silver frame just looks slick.
Also check out our comparison of the Vista vs the UPPAbaby Cruz.
5. Baby Jogger City Select – Most Versatile Double Pram
The Baby Jogger City Select is a longstanding popular brand in Australia and has won a few awards over the years. The carbon colour is exclusive to Baby Bunting.
The Baby Jogger City Select has been around for a long time, with the earliest reviews on ProductReviews dating back to 9 years ago, in 2011.
However in recent years, it has an upgraded fresh look with steel frames to rival newer double pram contenders like Redsbaby and Babybee Duo, and it also has much more refined details and user experience.
The Baby Jogger City Select has been consistently getting decent reviews for almost 10 years since its inception so if you’re looking for a sturdy, durable and cost-effective double pram, this would be my top pick as an all-rounder pram.
You get a lot of flexibility with this clever design that allows for up to 16 different configurations through combinations of the following:
- Single or double pram use (or even triple through use of a glider board).
- Either seat can be used as a bassinet, seat, or travel system.
Make sure you check compatibility with your car seat if planning to use as a travel system.
The downside with this double pram is that you have to purchase all accessories separately. So while the purchase price can look appealing at first the total cost can add up fast if you need:
- Second seat
- Belly bar
- Cup holder
- Toddler board
- Rain cover
It’s worth mentioning that the Baby Jogger City Mini GT has won awards for three years in a row in the category of 3-Wheels Prams.
6. Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller – Best Side by Side Double Pram
The Joover Scooter X2 is a side by side stroller that has a very chunky face due to its compact design. But it cheekily fits through standard doors without any issue.
You get a great recline with the seats going near flat. This is very helpful when trying to get two kids to fall asleep at the same time while strolling along.
The large sun canopies help create a nice dark and protected space for nap time.
The best part for me was how much of this you could do with one hand… Single hand recline… Single hand collapse and fold… Unfortunately at 14.5kgs it’s too heavy for the single hand lift!!
Not every parent could get this into a car boot so this has bumped the Joovy down a few spots on the list.
The double front wheels offer good stability and make it easy for kids to climb in and out of. But they are a bit stiff with no built-in suspension. So this performs much better on flat surfaces.
A few other handy inclusions are:
- 2 x Cup holders for the parents making it easy to walk with that coffee.
- 2 x Pockets that can fit phones or snacks for the children.
- 1 x Large storage basket for your diaper bag and supplies.
- 1 x Bumper bar to protect (and be constantly gripped by eager explorers).
This the first side by side stroller on our list and after seeing the extra purchases needed for the Baby Jogger it is nice to know that all seats are included in the original purchase! Plus if you have twins and feel that they will be better off next to each other then this is your best option.
7. VeeBee Doubletake Tandem – Best Budget Double Pram
At the lower end of the market we thought the VeeBee Doubletake stood up well for those on a budget.
The weight capacity for each seat is a high 20kgs. Most others cap out at 15kgs in this price range.
It has a lot of the same features as the more premium prams, but they just don’t do the job as well. The price difference is huge though and for casual use offers great value.
They have attempted the same tiered seating levels that the Uppababy has, but the separation just isn’t enough for the child at the back to have a clear view.
This may not be a big deal for short walks to the park. But siblings can get competitive and if no one likes sitting in the back it could become a daily battle.
The front seat gets a removable tray, but nothing for the back. So this type of stroller works best when there is an age gap and you can have a baby sleeping in one seat, while another older child gets the full view. Best not to use this one with two toddlers.
The storage space is also smaller than what you will get with a side by side design due to the narrow frame of the pram.
8. Valco Baby Snap Duo – Best Double Pram for Hot Weather
Last of all, if you are having that debate in your head about whether to lash out or not when buying your pram then there is a strong middle performer in the Valco Baby Snap.
It is a side by side pram like the Valco and is a little more expensive. But, there are a few important points of comparison where the Valco outperforms.
The coolest feature is the retractable seat backing which can be lifted up to create an air vent behind each seat. This is an easy way to get some ventilation in there without having to use an extra like a stroller fan.
The hood also extends almost all the way down to the bumpers which creates a very enclosed area. Combining with the air vents make for a comfy nap environment on a warm day.
The width is a couple of centimetres less. So it fits through those doorways a bit easer and just doesn’t have that same wide look to it.
This makes the Valco much easier to maneuvre and a great option for mums who are recovering from a c-section, or suffering from any postpartum joint or muscle pain.
Verdict
The fact is that these are expensive items to buy. So we have given priority to value when selecting the best double pram in Australia.
The lower price tag and long list of additional extras make the BabyBee DUO2 a compelling proposition for the growing family.
If money is not an issue and it is pure performance you are after then the Uppababy Vista is about as deluxe as you can get for a double pram. We especially loved this one for parents of twins as you can’t really pick a better seat.
Baby Jogger indeed is a reputable brand for prams. We have also owned a few other brands such as Bugaboo and Steelcraft. All have various features. Guess it really depends on the family needs as to which is the perfect pram to get. Great post!