Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat could be a must for twins or children of similar age. If you plan to buy one, it's important to consider your budget and the length of time you're planning to use the stroller.
Kate says she liked the fact that the stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked the fact that it folds easily, although she did find the buckles magnetic difficult to fasten.
Size
Size is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a double stroller that comes with car seats for your infant. Parents should be able to move the stroller comfortably on crowded sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which implies that it should be fairly compact and slim. In addition, the stroller should be compact and easy to fold enough to fit in a trunk or smaller vehicle to store.
Consider a double stroller that has two seats and is able to accommodate a car seat for an infant in the event that you plan to have twins or children who are close in age. Double strollers are more expensive, but have a longer lifespan and can be used until toddlerhood or beyond. Our top pick is the UPPAbaby V2 Double, comes with a variety of seating configurations. It can accept two infant seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.
We also love strollers that work with many different infant car seats which means that there is an array of strollers for families to pick from. For instance the UPPAbaby Vista can accept the UPPAbaby Mesa as well as other infant car seats with adapters. It also works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for a third, standing passenger.
Some parents purchase a stroller that is single to double, which can be adapted to accommodate another child. We suggest that you purchase what you need now. double pushchair could arrive later than you anticipated, or your first kid might not be a fan of walking. The seating arrangement in a double stroller that includes an infant car seat can also make or break 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, meaning the final pushing weight is greater. It is important to consider the weight when choosing your preferred model, especially in the event that you'll use it for long walks or jogs. The most effective models are designed to handle the additional load with the least amount of flexing or swinging.
It's also worth considering the cost of a double stroller in relation to its longevity. The top models provide high-quality design and seating flexibility that suggests they'll last longer than the budget models. The joovy qool double bundle is one example. It can accept car seat adapters for two infant carseats and can accommodate a second passenger via an attachable bassinet. This arrangement is suitable for twins, kids with different ages, or siblings with a gap in age.
Parents on a budget might consider the Baby Trend Double Snap-N'Go an appealing option since it accepts two infant car seats and can convert into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to maneuver, despite the added weight.
Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's similar to higher-priced award winners and can accommodate multiple seating options for children with different ages and stage. Its side-byside seat design makes it suitable for twins or children of varying ages, and it can be customized by adding add-ons like dual canopies twin bassinets, or modified seats that act as toddler seats. It can be folded easily and has a compact footprint, making it easier to fit into a trunk. The stroller is not designed to be used until children can sit up without assistance, so children 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 simply click the seat into place and move the stroller without folding it while holding a baby or a toddler. This is particularly useful during long trips, in which you do not need to unbuckle or re-buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents with twins opt for an option that can accommodate two infants in a car seat simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, provides this functionality and has the added benefit of having a bench seat for older siblings. It's not compatible with all infant car seats, and can be a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller that has an adapter for car seats that is integrated that works with all major infant car safety seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a great value for the features it has. Although it's not the most ideal 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 good choice if you're hoping for a single purchase.
Other double strollers require a more intricate procedure to attach and detach the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist Double, for example, requires you to press down, and then hear a loud click to ensure it's securely secured. It's more difficult to use in parking lots, especially if you have hungry or tired children. While it grows with your family, we don’t think it’s the best choice for parents of twins. You'll have to buy an additional toddler chair once your children are old enough.
Durability
A double stroller with infant car seats must be built to last. It should also be suited to your budget and lifestyle whether you intend to use the stroller for a few or several years. When you are making a purchase be sure to consider the fabric of the stroller as well as its components, like its tires.
Find a stroller that has a large and deep storage basket that can hold plenty of groceries, diapers and other necessities. A large console for the parents and cup holders are helpful and so is a sun canopy that provides ample coverage. Make sure your stroller can handle off-road terrain and narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may prefer a side-by-side stroller for equal visibility and access to both children. However, others with kids of different ages might prefer a tandem style that allows the rear child to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers are heavier than single strollers, and can cause siblings to fight if they are equipped with seats of different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar can allow you to adjust the height to suit your needs. Also having a one-hand folding mechanism can be useful. Another feature to look out for is a small footprint that can easily fit in your trunk and requires minimal storage space.
A modular stroller, such as the CYBEX Gazelle is a model that offers unbeatable flexibility. You can mix and mix and match the seating units and cots to accommodate multiples, twins or one child of various age groups. The sturdy construction and flexibility in seating configurations make it a worthwhile purchase if you intend to keep it for a number of years.
Safety
A good stroller should be safe for children riding in the seats as well as the parent pushing them. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests looking for strollers with ergonomic handlebars, brakes that are easy to use and a seat harness that is adjustable. She also suggests avoiding any accessories that add weight of the stroller for children such as ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller must be sturdy enough to navigate different surfaces easily, from suburban sidewalks to parks trails. It should be strong enough to withstand bumps and curbs with ease, but also flexible to navigate a steep slope or climbing and descending stairways. It should also be easy to fold and fit into the trunk of a car, without restricting its size or maneuverability.
Parents with twins or siblings who are close in age might be looking at a stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats. This allows them to move asleep children from the car to the stroller without having them wake up. A majority of our top-scoring strollers work with two car seats for infants such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
The joovy double bundle is another alternative. It includes two infant car seats and an add-on rumble chair which can be turned into a second seat once your children outgrow the car seat. It has stadium seating with plenty of leg room and can be set up so that your children can face eachother or the world. It can't accept two bassinets or an infant car seat or riding board at the same time but it's an excellent option for families with several young children.