Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat may be a must if you have twins or kids with similar ages. If you are planning to purchase one, it's crucial to consider your budget and how long you plan to use the stroller for.
Kate loved that the stroller was light and easy to maneuver. She also liked that it folds easily, although she did find the buckles magnetic hard to fasten.
Size
When selecting a double stroller with baby car seats, size is a crucial consideration. The stroller should be compact and slim so parents can easily maneuver it through crowded sidewalks or through the narrow subway gates. The stroller should also be small and easy to fold so that it can fit in the trunk of a small vehicle.
If you plan on having twins or children that are very similar in age, you should consider purchasing a double stroller that has two seats that can accommodate infant car seats. These options will be more expensive than other double strollers however, they come with a longer life span and can be used until toddlerhood, or even after. For example, our top pick the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double comes with a variety of seating configurations and can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.
We also prefer strollers that are compatible with a range of infant car seats. This gives families a larger selection to choose from. For instance the UPPAbaby Vista can work with the UPPAbaby Mesa, as well as a variety of other infant car seats using adapters. It also can be used with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for a third, standing passenger.
Many parents buy a double or single stroller that can be modified to accommodate another child. We suggest buying what you need now. You might have a second child arrive later than you expected, or your first child might not be in a position to walk. The type of seating in a double stroller, which includes an infant car seat could affect the relationship between siblings particularly if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single models. Double strollers come with two seats, and they carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller is heavier. This weight is important to consider when deciding on your preferred model, particularly in case you intend to use it for long walks and running. The most effective models can handle the extra weight with minimal shifting and swaying.
It's also worth weighing the price of a double stroller versus its durability. The more expensive strollers are constructed better and come with more seating options, so they will last longer than their lower-cost counterparts. The double bundle from Joovy, for instance, accepts adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a third passenger via a bassinet that attaches. This setup is suitable for twins, children of different ages or siblings that have gaps in age.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a great choice for parents on a budget, as it can be transformed into a tandem stroller (single file) and can accommodate two car seats for infants. It's light and compact, making it easy to maneuver even with the additional weight.
Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's comparable to the more expensive award winners and supports multiple seating options for children of different ages and stages. Its side-by-side seat design allows for twins or kids of varying ages, and it can be customized with add-ons like dual canopies, twin bassinets or modified seats that function as toddler seats. The stroller can be folded easily and has a tiny footprint, making it easy to fit into a trunk. The stroller is not meant to be used until children can sit up on their own without assistance, so babies younger than that need to be carried or placed into a car seat.
Convenience
It is easier and less stressful to take your family on a vacation by transferring your infant's car seat effortlessly from the car to the stroller. You can click the seat into place and move the stroller without having to fold it while holding a baby or a toddler. This is particularly useful during long trips, where you don't need to unbuckle or change your child's buckle every few minutes.
Parents of twins usually prefer a travel system that will accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, provides this functionality and has the added benefit of a bench seat for older siblings. It's not compatible with all types of infant car seats and it's too heavy for certain families.
extra resources prefer a double-stroller that has an adapter for car seats that is integrated, which works with all the major infant car safety seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a fantastic value for the features it provides. It's not the best double-stroller for twins, as it only works with one. However it's an excellent choice for many families.
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 a loud click to know it's properly secured. It's a bit more difficult to use in a parking garage, especially if your kids are hungry or tired. While it can grow with the family, we don't believe it's the most suitable option for parents of twins because you'll need to buy a separate toddler seat when your kids are old enough for it.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seats must be built to last. It should also fit your lifestyle and budget whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or a number of years. When you are making a purchase take into consideration the fabric of the stroller and its components, including its tires.
A stroller that has a large and deep basket can hold plenty of diapers, groceries and other supplies. A large console for the parents and cup holders are also helpful and so is a sun canopy that provides plenty of coverage. Make sure the stroller can handle off-road terrain and narrow city sidewalks.
Parents with twins may want a side-by-side stroller to allow equal access and visibility for both children. Other parents with children of different ages might choose a tandem stroller which allows the seat of the rear child to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers are heavier than single strollers and can cause siblings to fight if they have seats that are different heights.
A stroller with a handlebar that is adjustable can allow you to adjust it to the ideal height for you and a one-hand fold mechanism is a useful feature. Another feature to look for is a compact footprint that can easily fit in your trunk and requires only a small amount of storage space.
A stroller that is modular, such as the CYBEX Gazelle, offers unmatched flexibility. You can mix and mix and match the cots and seating units to accommodate multiples, twins or one child of various age. This high-end model's durable construction and the flexibility of seating arrangements make it a great investment if you plan to keep it for a number of years to come.
Safety
A quality stroller must be safe for the children riding in the seats as well as the parent pushing them. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino recommends looking for a stroller with ergonomic handlebars, brakes that are easy to use and an adjustable seat harness. She also recommends avoiding accessories that increase the weight of a stroller for children like ride-on boards, as well as additional child seats.
A double stroller must be strong enough to withstand different surfaces including suburban sidewalks, paths to paved roads. It should be sturdy enough to withstand bumps and curbs easily but also flexible enough to climb steep stairs or navigate steep incline. It should also be easy to fold up and fit into the trunk of a vehicle without restricting its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or other siblings who are close in age may want to consider a double stroller which can accommodate two car seats for infants. This lets them transfer asleep children from the car to the stroller without them having to wake up. Many of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with a two infant car seat, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista v2 Double.
Another alternative is the Joovy Qool double bundle, which can be used with two infant car seats (car seat adapters are sold separately) and includes an additional rumble seat that transforms into a second seat when your kids outgrow their car seat. It has stadium-style seating with plenty of room for legs and can be set up to let your kids interact with each other or the world. It can't accommodate two bassinets, an infant car seat, or a riding board at the exact same time. It is a great option for families with several young children.