Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat may be a necessity when you have twins or kids with similar ages. If you're planning to purchase one, it's crucial to consider your budget and the length of time you're planning to use the stroller for.
Kate says she was pleased with the fact that this stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver. compact double stroller appreciated the fact that it folds easily, although she did find the buckles magnetic difficult to secure.
Size
When choosing a double stroller with infant car seats the size is a major factor to take into consideration. Parents must be able to move the stroller comfortably on busy sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which means it should be fairly compact and slim. In addition the stroller must be simple to fold and compact enough to fit into a trunk or smaller vehicle to store.
If you are planning to have twins or children that are very similar in age, think about purchasing a double stroller with two seats that can accommodate infant car seats. These options will be more expensive than other double strollers, however they offer a longer stroller life and can be used into toddlerhood, or even after. For example our top choice is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double has a wide range of seating options and will accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.
We also like strollers that are compatible with a variety of infant car seats. This gives parents a greater variety to pick from. For example, the UPPAbaby Vista is compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa as well as other infant car seats using adapters, and it works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for the third, standing person.
Some parents choose to buy a stroller that is single-to-double and can be adapted to a second child, but we suggest buying what you need at the moment. You might have an additional child arrive later than you anticipated or your child might not be able to walk. The type of seating in a double stroller, which includes an infant car seat can also affect the relationship between siblings especially if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers weigh more than single strollers. They have two seats and more cargo, so the weight of the final pushing load is greater. This is an important factor to consider when choosing the best model, especially if you plan on using it for long walks or jogging. The most effective models can handle the extra weight without flexing and swinging.
It's also worth considering the price of a double stroller versus its durability. The more expensive strollers are constructed better and come with more seating configuration options which means they last longer than their budget-friendly counterparts. The joovy qool double bundle is one example. It can accept car seat adapters for two infant carseats and can accommodate a second rider by attaching a bassinet. This arrangement is suitable for twins, children of different ages, or siblings with a gap in age.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is an excellent option for parents on a tight budget since it can be converted to a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two infant car seats. It's light and compact making it easy to move around even with the additional weight.
Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's comparable to award-winning models which are more expensive and offers various seating options. The side-by-side design of the seat allows for twins or kids of varying ages, and it can be customized by adding accessories such as dual canopies twin bassinets, or modified seats that function as toddler seats. The stroller is also easy to fold and has a compact footprint, making it easier to fit into the trunk. The stroller isn't designed to be used until children are able to sit up without assistance, so babies younger than that need to be carried or placed into a car seat.
Convenience
Seamlessly transferring your infant car seat from the car into the stroller can make family trips simpler and less stressful. You can click the seat into position and move the stroller without folding it while holding a baby and a toddler. This convenience is especially useful for long trips in which you do not need to unbuckle or buckle your child every few minutes.
Parents with twins typically opt for a travel system that can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this functionality, and also has a bench seat that can be used by older siblings. However, it doesn't work with all kinds of infant car seats and it's too heavy for some families.
Other parents prefer a double stroller with an integrated car seat adapter that works with all major infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a fantastic value for the features it has. While it's not the best double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it is only compatible with one) It can work well for a wide range of families and is a good option if you're looking to make a purchase that is a one-and-done deal.
Some double strollers feature a more complex method of attaching and disconnecting the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for example, requires that you push down, and then hear a loud click to know it's securely secured. It's a bit more difficult to use in a parking garage particularly if your children are tired or hungry. It can be a bit more difficult to use with the family, we don't believe it's the best choice for parents with twins since you'll need an additional toddler seat once your kids are old enough for it.
Durability
A double stroller with an infant car seat should be durable and built for durability. It should also be a good fit for your budget and lifestyle, whether you intend to use it for only few years or more. When making a purchase be sure to consider the fabric of the stroller and its components, like its tires.
Look for a stroller with an ample and deep storage basket that can hold plenty of groceries, diapers, and other supplies. A large console for the parents with cup holders is also useful, as well as an umbrella sunshade that offers adequate coverage. Make sure the stroller can handle off-road terrain and narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may prefer a side-by-side stroller for equal access and visibility to both children, while parents with children of different ages might prefer a tandem model that allows the rear child to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers are bulkier than single strollers and can cause siblings to fight, especially if they have seats that are different heights.
A stroller equipped with an adjustable handlebar will allow you to adjust it to the ideal height for you and a one-hand fold mechanism is an excellent feature. Another thing to look for is a small footprint that fits easily in your trunk and requires only a small amount of storage space.
A modular stroller such as the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unbeatable flexibility, allowing you to mix and match seating units as well as cot attachments for twins, multiples, or one rider of different age. The durable design and flexibility in seating configurations make it a great purchase if you intend to keep it for a number of years.
Safety
A good stroller should be safe for both children who are in the seat as well as the parent who pushes them. Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests that you look for a stroller with ergonomic handlebars, with simple-to-use breaks and a movable harness. She also suggests avoiding any accessories that increase the weight of a stroller for children, like ride-on boards and additional child seats.
A double stroller needs to be sturdy enough to handle various surfaces including suburban sidewalks and paths to paved roads. It should be strong enough to navigate curbs and bumps without difficulty and yet flexible enough to climb stairs or climb steep incline. In addition, it should be simple to fold and fit into a car trunk without sacrificing its dimensions or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or siblings who are close in age might be interested in a double stroller which can accommodate two infant car seats. This allows them to transfer sleeping children from the car to the stroller without waking them up. A majority of our top-scoring strollers can be used with two car seats for infants, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Another option is the joovy qool double bundle, which can be used with two infant car seats (car seat adapters sold separately) and comes with an extra Rumble seat that can be converted into a second seat once your children outgrow their car seat. It offers stadium-style seating with plenty of room for legs and is able to be set to let your kids interact with each other or the world. It can't accommodate two bassinets, a baby car seat, or a riding board simultaneously. However, it is a great choice for families with multiple young children.