Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat could be essential when you have twins or children with similar ages. If you are planning to purchase one, you must consider your budget and how long you hope to use the stroller for.
Kate says she likes the fact that this stroller is light and maneuvers well. lightweight double stroller appreciated how easily it folded, but found the buckles that are magnetic difficult to fasten.
Size
When choosing a double stroller that includes an infant car seat size is an important consideration. Parents must be able to move the stroller comfortably on crowded sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which means it should be fairly slim and compact. Additionally the stroller must be easy to fold and small enough to fit into a trunk or smaller vehicle to store.
If you are planning to have twins or children that are close in age, consider getting 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 through toddlerhood, or even after. Our top pick, the UPPAbaby V2 Double, has a variety of seating options. It can accept two infant seats or toddler seats which convert into bassinets.
We also love strollers that are compatible with different infant car seats which means that there is more strollers for families to pick from. For instance the UPPAbaby Vista can accept the UPPAbaby Mesa as well as other infant car seats that have adapters, and also can be used with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for a third, standing passenger.
Some parents purchase a double or single stroller, which can be adapted to accommodate another child. We recommend that you purchase the items you require right now. You might have another child arrive later than expected or your first child may not be in a position to walk. The type of seating in a double stroller with an infant car seat can also make or break the relationship between siblings, especially if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are generally heavier than single models. They have two seats and more cargo, which means the weight of the final pushing load is greater. It's crucial to take into account this weight when you're deciding on your ideal model, particularly when you'll be using it for long jogs or walks. The most efficient models are engineered to withstand the extra weight with minimal shifting or swaying.
It's also worth considering the cost of a double stroller against its longevity. The more expensive models have a quality build and seating configuration versatility that indicates they'll last longer than the budget models. The joovy double bundle is one example. It has adapters to fit two infant car seats and can accommodate a second rider via a bassinet that connects. This configuration is ideal for twins or children of different ages or siblings with gaps between them.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a good alternative for parents on a budget because it can be converted into a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two infant car seats. It's lightweight and compact making it easy to move around even with the additional weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly option. It is comparable to models that have won awards, but are more expensive, and comes with different seating configurations. The side-by-side design of the seat allows twins or children of varying ages, and it can be customised with accessories like dual canopy, twin bassinets or modified seats that function as toddler seats. This versatile stroller also has a relatively quick fold and a small footprint that makes it easier to fit into a trunk. It's not designed to be used until kids are able to sit without assistance the younger ones will require assistance or placed in a car seat.
Convenience
It's simpler and less stressful to take your family on a vacation if you transfer your infant car seat easily from the car to the stroller. Instead of trying to fold the stroller while keeping one hand on the baby and the other on a toddler, you can simply click the seat into place and start moving. This is a great option for long trips, when you don't want to unbuckle and then return your child to the seat every few minutes.
compact double stroller who have twins choose a travel system that can accommodate two infants in the car seat at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, provides this feature and comes with the added benefit of having a bench seat for older siblings. It's not compatible with all types of infant car seats and it's a little heavy for some families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller with an adapter for car seats that is integrated, which works with all major infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is a great option and is available at a very friendly price for what you get. While it's not the ideal double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it is only compatible with one) it works well for a wide range of families and is an excellent choice if you're hoping for a single purchase.
Other double strollers come with a more complex method of attaching and detaching the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist Double for instance, requires you to press down and then hear an audible click to confirm it's securely secured. It's more difficult to use in parking areas particularly in the case of hungry or exhausted children. While it will grow with your family, we don’t think it’s the best choice for parents of twins. You'll have purchase a separate toddler chair when your children are old enough.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seats must be durable and built to last. It should also be suited to your lifestyle and budget whether you intend to use the stroller for a few or a number of years. Be sure to consider the quality of the fabric and the components, including the tires, before making your purchase.
Look for a stroller with a wide and deep storage basket that will accommodate plenty of groceries, diapers and other necessities. A large console for parents with cup holders can be useful, as well as an umbrella sunshade that offers adequate coverage. Also, make sure the stroller is able to handle off-road terrain and navigate narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may choose an equilateral stroller to give the same level of visibility and accessibility to both children, whereas those with children with different ages may prefer the tandem model, which allows the rear child to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers are typically bulkier than single strollers, however, and they can cause sibling squabbles in the event that the seats are different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar will allow you to adjust the height to suit your preferences. Also, a one-hand folding mechanism is useful. Another feature to look out for is a small footprint that can easily fit in your trunk and requires minimal storage space.
A stroller that is modular, such as the CYBEX Gazelle is a model that offers unbeatable flexibility. You can mix and combine the seating units and cots to accommodate twins, multiples or one child of various ages. The durable design and the flexibility of seating configurations makes it a great purchase if you intend to keep it for several years to come.
Safety
A quality stroller must be safe for the children who are in the seat as well as the parent who pushes them. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests choosing strollers that have ergonomic handlebars, easy-to-use brakes and an adjustable seat harness. She also suggests avoiding accessories that add to the weight of the stroller, like ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller needs to be strong enough to handle a variety surfaces including suburban sidewalks, park trails to paved roads. It should be sturdy enough to move over curbs and bumps easily and also able to be adapted for navigating a steep incline or up and down stairways. Finally, it should be simple to fold and fit into a trunk of a car without sacrificing its dimensions or mobility.
Parents of twins or children close in age may want to consider a stroller that can accommodate two car seats for infants. This will allow them to have the ability to move sleepy kids from the car into the stroller without disturbing them. Many of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with two infant car seats, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or 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 kids outgrow their car seat. It has stadium seating with plenty of legroom and can be set up so that your children can face eachother or the world. It is not able to accommodate two bassinets, an infant car seat, or a riding board simultaneously. It is a great choice for families with several young children.