Choosing the best pram for a newborn and toddler can feel complicated, especially if you are expecting your second baby and need a pushchair that can comfortably accommodate two children of different ages.
The good news is that there are now plenty of single-to-double prams and sibling pushchairs designed specifically for growing families. They allow you to use a pushchair with a newborn while still giving your toddler a comfortable seat, without needing to buy two separate pushchairs.
Four popular options to consider are the Cybex Gazelle S, Bugaboo Donkey 6, Ickle Bubba Altair Double Pram and UPPAbaby Vista V3.
The right choice will depend on your children's ages, how often you use your car, how much storage you need and whether you prefer a side-by-side or tandem-style double pram.
What should you look for in a pram for a newborn and toddler?
When choosing a pram for a newborn and toddler, there are several important things to consider.
Newborn suitability
Newborn babies need a suitable lie-flat position or carrycot. Check exactly how the pram can be used from birth, as some models require a carrycot or newborn accessory rather than using the standard toddler seat.
Toddler weight limit
Your toddler may use the pushchair for several years, so check the maximum weight limit of the seat. A generous weight capacity can help extend the useful life of your pram.
Double configurations
If you have a newborn and toddler, look for a pushchair that allows the seats or carrycot to be positioned in a practical combination. Some models also accommodate two newborns, making them suitable for twins.
Folded size
A double pram can take up considerably more space than a single pushchair. Always check the folded dimensions and measure your car boot before buying.
Width
Side-by-side double pushchairs can be wider than tandem designs, so consider the doorways, lifts and shops you regularly use.
Storage
With two children, you'll probably have plenty to carry. A generous shopping basket can make a noticeable difference when you're out for the day.
The CYBEX Gazelle S is designed with growing families in mind and can be configured in more than 20 different ways. This makes it particularly useful for parents who want a pushchair that can adapt as their family grows.
It can be configured for one child or two, with combinations including Gazelle S cots, seat units and compatible infant car seats. The Gazelle S is also designed to be used from birth, with the appropriate cot or infant car seat, while its seat unit can be used in an ergonomic lie-flat position.
One of the standout features is its storage capacity. The Gazelle S has a large lower basket and a detachable shopper basket, giving parents plenty of space for changing bags, shopping and everyday essentials.
It also has a compact fold considering it is a double pushchair, making it worth considering if boot space is an important factor.
Why consider the CYBEX Gazelle S?
- More than 20 possible configurations
- Designed to grow with your family
- Suitable from birth with the appropriate setup
- Can accommodate two children
- Large shopping storage
- Compact fold for a double pushchair
- One-pull harness on the current model
- Compatible with CYBEX infant car seats
Best suited to: Parents looking for a highly adaptable single-to-double pram with plenty of storage.
The Bugaboo Donkey 6 takes a different approach to many double pushchairs because it uses a side-by-side design.
This can be particularly appealing for parents who want their newborn and toddler to sit next to each other rather than one child being positioned behind or above the other.
The Donkey 6 is suitable from newborn to toddler. A newborn can use the carrycot, while the pushchair seats are designed for older babies and toddlers. In double mode, the side-by-side configuration allows both children to travel at the same height.
Despite being a double pushchair, Bugaboo has designed the Donkey 6 to fit through standard doorways. In single mode, it is narrower, making it possible to use the pushchair as a single before converting it for two children.
Another useful feature is the ability to fold the Donkey 6 in different ways, including a self-standing fold or a more compact two-piece fold.
Why consider the Bugaboo Donkey 6?
- Side-by-side seating for siblings
- Suitable from newborn to toddler
- Carrycot provides a lie-flat space for a newborn
- Seats suitable for older babies and toddlers
- Designed to fit through standard doorways
- Can be used in single, double or twin configurations
- Useful storage options
- Flexible folding options
Best suited to: Parents who prefer a side-by-side double pram and want their children to sit next to each other.
The Ickle Bubba Altair Double Pram is another flexible option for families with a newborn and toddler, particularly if you are looking for a double pram with a range of seating configurations.
The Altair has independent seat units that can be removed and repositioned, allowing parents to change the setup as their children grow.
For families with a newborn, the Altair can be configured with carrycots, while the seat units can accommodate children up to 22kg per seat. The pushchair offers multiple recline and calf-rest positions, along with ventilation panels and sun visors.
Storage is also an important consideration, with a large shopping basket included.
The Altair is designed with a relatively slimline frame for a double pram and can be folded with the seats attached, which can be useful for busy family life.
Why consider the Ickle Bubba Altair?
- 14 possible combinations depending on configuration
- Suitable from birth to 22kg per seat
- Independent seat units
- Carrycot options available
- Parent-facing and world-facing seating
- Folds with the seats attached
- Height-adjustable handle
- Large shopping basket
- Designed to be lighter than many double prams
Best suited to: Families looking for a flexible double pram with multiple configurations and a practical design.
The UPPAbaby Vista V3 is a popular choice for growing families because it starts life as a single pushchair and can be expanded when your family grows.
The Vista V3 carrycot is suitable from birth, while the toddler seat is designed for children from six months up to 22kg. With the appropriate accessories, the Vista can be configured to accommodate more than one child.
This makes it particularly interesting for parents who are buying their first pushchair but are already thinking about having another baby in the future.
The Vista V3 also has a full-size design and is built around comfort and everyday family use, making it suitable for everything from local walks to longer days out.
Why consider the UPPAbaby Vista V3?
- Suitable from birth with the carrycot
- Converts from a single to accommodate additional children
- Toddler seat suitable up to 22kg
- Multiple configurations available with accessories
- Full-size pushchair design
- Designed to grow with your family
- Available with a range of accessories
Best suited to: Parents who want a premium single pushchair that can be expanded as their family grows.
Newborn and toddler pram comparison
|
Pushchair |
Newborn suitable |
Toddler suitable |
Double configuration |
Design |
|
Yes, with suitable cot/car seat or newborn setup |
Yes |
Yes |
Tandem |
|
|
Yes, with carrycot |
Yes |
Yes |
Side-by-side |
|
|
Yes, with appropriate carrycot setup |
Yes |
Yes |
Side-by-side |
|
|
Yes, with carrycot |
Yes |
Yes |
Tandem |
Which type of double pram is right for you?
There is no single best pram for every newborn and toddler combination. The best option depends on how you plan to use your pushchair.
If storage and configuration flexibility are high on your list, the CYBEX Gazelle S is worth considering.
If you like the idea of your children sitting side-by-side, the Bugaboo Donkey 6 offers a different approach to transporting siblings.
If you want multiple configurations and a practical double-pram design, the Ickle Bubba Altair is an option to explore.
If you are buying a pushchair for your first baby and want something that can grow with your family, the UPPAbaby Vista V3 can be converted to accommodate additional children with the appropriate accessories.
What is the best pram for a newborn and toddler?
The best pram for a newborn and toddler is one that suits your family's everyday needs.
Before choosing, think about:
- How old your toddler is
- Whether your newborn will use a carrycot
- Whether you need a travel system
- How much space you have in your car boot
- Whether you prefer side-by-side or tandem seating
- How much shopping and baby equipment you need to carry
- Whether you plan to use the pushchair for future children
- How often you will use public transport or navigate narrow doorways
It is also worth considering how easy the pushchair is to fold, lift and manoeuvre. A double pram that looks ideal on paper may feel very different when fully loaded with two children.
Final thoughts
Choosing a pram for a newborn and toddler is ultimately about finding the right balance between comfort, flexibility, storage and practicality.
The CYBEX Gazelle S, Bugaboo Donkey 6, Ickle Bubba Altair and UPPAbaby Vista V3 all take slightly different approaches to growing-family life, so it is worth considering how each design fits into your routine rather than simply choosing based on appearance.
At Pramworld, you can explore a wide range of prams, pushchairs and travel systems for newborns, toddlers, siblings and growing families.
Whether you are preparing for your second baby, expecting twins or looking for a pushchair that can adapt as your family grows, comparing the different configurations, dimensions and accessories before you buy can help you find a setup that works for your family.
Quick FAQs
What is the best pram for a newborn and toddler?
There is no one-size-fits-all option. The CYBEX Gazelle S, Bugaboo Donkey 6, Ickle Bubba Altair and UPPAbaby Vista V3 are all designed to accommodate growing families, but they differ in their configurations, seating arrangements and accessories.
Can you put a newborn and toddler in a double pram?
Yes. Double and sibling prams are designed to accommodate children of different ages. Always use the manufacturer's recommended newborn configuration and check the age and weight limits for each seat.
Is a side-by-side or tandem pram better?
This depends on your lifestyle. Side-by-side pushchairs allow both children to sit next to each other, while tandem designs position the seats one above or behind the other. Consider the width of your doorways, lifts, car boot and the places you regularly visit.
Do I need a double pram if my toddler can walk?
Not necessarily. Some toddlers will happily walk for shorter journeys, while others may still need a seat for longer days out. If your toddler is still young when your new baby arrives, a double or sibling pushchair can provide useful flexibility.
When should I buy a double pram?
If you know you will need to transport a newborn and toddler together, it can be useful to choose your double or expandable pushchair before your baby arrives. This gives you time to understand the different configurations and make sure it fits your home and car.
Explore prams and pushchairs at Pramworld and find a setup designed around your growing family.