Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat is essential for twins or two kids with similar ages. If you plan to buy one, you must take into consideration your budget and how long you hope to use the stroller for.
Kate says she liked the fact that this stroller is light and maneuvers well. She also liked the fact that it folds easily, although she did find the buckles magnetic difficult to secure.
Size
When selecting a double stroller that includes an infant car seat size is an important factor to take into consideration. Parents must be able to move the stroller comfortably on crowded sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which means it should be fairly compact and slim. Additionally the stroller must be compact and easy to fold enough to fit in the trunk of a car or a smaller vehicle for storage.
If you plan on having twins or children who are close in age, you should consider purchasing a double stroller that has two seats that can accommodate infant car seats. These models will be more expensive than other double strollers, however they offer a longer stroller life and can be used into toddlerhood or even past. Our top pick is the UPPAbaby V2 Double, comes with a variety of seating options. It can accept two toddler seats or infant seats which convert into bassinets.
We also like strollers that can be used with different infant car seats and offers a wider selection of strollers for families to pick from. The UPPAbaby Vista, for instance can be used with the UPPAbaby mesha as well as other infant car seats with adapters. It is also compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third person standing.
Some parents buy a double or single stroller, which can be adapted to accommodate a second child. We recommend that you purchase what you need now. A second kid may arrive later than you expected or your primary child may not take to walking. The seating arrangement in a double stroller with an infant car seat could also make or break the relationship between siblings, particularly if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single strollers. They have two seats and more cargo, so the weight of the final push is greater. It's crucial to take into account the weight when choosing your preferred model, especially when you'll be using it for long jogs or walks. The best models are well-engineered to withstand the extra weight with minimal movement or swaying.
It is also important to consider the longevity of a double-stroller. The top strollers are constructed better and come with more seating configuration options, so they will last longer than their lower-cost counterparts. The double bundle from Joovy is one example. It has adapters for two car seats for infants and can accommodate a secondary child via a bassinet which connects. This setup is suitable for twins, children of different ages or siblings with an age gap.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a great choice for parents on a budget because it can be converted into a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two infant car seats. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to maneuver despite the added weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly option. It's comparable to award-winning models which are more expensive, and comes with various seating options. Its side by side seat design can be used to accommodate twins or children with different age groups. It can also be customized with additional features like twin bassinets with dual canopies. The stroller can be folded easily and has a tiny footprint, making it easier to fit into the trunk. The stroller is not meant to be used until children can sit up without assistance, so children older than that will need to either be carried or seated in a car seat.
Convenience
Transferring your infant's car seat from the vehicle into the stroller can make family trips easier and less stressful. Instead of trying to fold a stroller while keeping one hand on the baby and the other on a toddler, you can just click the seat in place and then begin moving. This convenience is especially useful for long journeys when you may not want to unbuckle and buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents with twins choose a travel system which can accommodate two infants in a car seats simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for example, offers this feature and comes with the added benefit of having a bench seat for older siblings. However, it's not compatible with all brands of infant car seats and it's a bit heavy for certain families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller with an integrated car seat adapter that works with all major infant car safety seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a fantastic value for the features it offers. While it's not the best double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it can only be used with one) it works well for a wide range of families and is a great option if you're looking for a one-and-done purchase.
Other double strollers require a more complicated process to attach and detach the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist Double, for example, requires you to push down, and then hear an audible click to confirm it's properly secured. It's a bit more difficult to use in a parking lot, especially if your kids are tired or hungry. While it grows with your family, we don't think it’s the best choice for parents with twins. best compact double stroller pushchairsandprams need purchase an additional toddler chair when your children reach an age.
Durability
A double stroller and infant car seats should be sturdy and built to last. It should also be suited to your budget and lifestyle, whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or many years. When making a purchase, consider the fabric of the stroller and its components, like its tires.
Find a stroller that has a a wide and deep storage basket that can accommodate plenty of groceries, diapers and other items. A large console for the parents and cup holders are useful as is a sun canopy that provides ample coverage. Make sure your stroller can handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins might prefer a side-by-side stroller for equal visibility and access to both children, whereas parents with children of different ages might choose a tandem model that allows the rear child to be raised or lowered. Tandem strollers are generally bulkier than single strollers, however, and can cause sibling rivalries if the seats are at different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar can allow you to adjust the height to your liking. Also the one-hand folding mechanism can be useful. Another feature to look for is a small footprint that can easily fit in your trunk, and requires little storage space.
A modular stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S offers unparalleled flexibility and allows you to mix and match seating units as well as cot attachments for multiples, twins, or single riders of various ages. Its robust construction and seating configuration versatility make it clear that this top-of-the-line model is worth the investment should you intend to keep it for a long period of time.
Safety
A great stroller should be safe for the children riding in the seats as well as the parent pushing them. Certified child safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests choosing strollers that have ergonomic handlebars, easy-to-use brakes and a seat harness that can be adjusted. She also suggests avoiding accessories that add to the weight of the stroller, such as ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller should be strong enough to withstand different surfaces including suburban sidewalks and paths to paved roads. It should be strong enough to traverse curbs and bumps easily, but also flexible for navigating a steep incline or up and down stairways. Additionally, it should be simple to fold and fit into a trunk without sacrificing its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or children close in age will want to consider a stroller that accommodates two infant car seats. This will allow them the freedom to move sleeping children from the car to the stroller without disturbing them. A majority of our top-scoring strollers can be used with two car seats for infants such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Another alternative is the joovy Qool double bundle, which works with two infant car seats (car seat adapters sold separately) and includes an additional Rumble seat that can be converted into a second seat when your children are old enough for their car seat. It has stadium-style seating with ample space for legs and can be set up to let your kids interact with each other or the world. It can't accept two bassinets or an infant car seat or riding board simultaneously but it's an excellent option for families with several young children.