Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that comes with an infant car seat can be a necessity if you have twins or children with similar age. If you're considering buying a stroller, think about your budget as well as how long you intend to use it.
Kate loved that the stroller was lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked the ease with which it folded, but found the buckles that are magnetic difficult to secure.
Size
Size is a major factor to consider when choosing a double stroller that comes with a car seat for your baby. The stroller should be compact and slim enough that parents are able to easily maneuver it on crowded sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. Additionally the stroller should 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 who are very close in age, consider getting a double stroller that has two seats that can accommodate infant car seats. These double strollers are more expensive, however, they last longer and can be used until the age of toddlers or beyond. For example our top choice is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double comes with a variety of seating options and can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also prefer strollers that are compatible with a variety of infant car seats. This gives parents a greater variety to choose from. The UPPAbaby vista, for example, can accept the UPPAbaby mesha as well as other infant car seats that have adapters. It is also compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third person standing.
Many parents buy a stroller that is single to double that can be modified to accommodate an additional child. We recommend that you purchase the items you require right now. A second child could arrive later than you expected or your primary child may not take to walking. The seating arrangement in a double stroller, which includes an infant car seat could affect the relationship between siblings particularly if they're close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single strollers. They have two seats as well as more cargo, which means the weight of the final pushing load is higher. It's important to factor in the weight when choosing the best model, particularly if you'll be using it for long walks or jogs. The best models will handle the extra weight with a minimum of shifting and swaying.
It's also worth weighing the price of a double stroller versus its durability. The higher-end strollers are built better and have more seating 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 car seats and can accommodate a second child by attaching a bassinet. This model is perfect for twins or children of different ages or siblings that have a gap between them.
Budget-conscious parents may find the Baby Trend Double Snap-N'Go an appealing option, since it is compatible with two infant car seats and can convert into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's compact and lightweight which makes it easy to maneuver despite the extra weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly option. It's similar to award-winning models that are more expensive and offers various seating options. Its side-by-side seat design can be used to accommodate twins or children of various ages. It can also be customized with accessories like twin bassinets or dual canopies. The stroller is able to fold in an easy fold and a small footprint, making it easier to be tucked away in a trunk. It's not designed to be used until children can sit up unassisted, however, so younger babies will require a carry or placed in a car seat.
Convenience
It is easy to transfer your infant car seat from the car into the stroller can make family trips simpler and less stressful. Rather than attempting to fold the stroller while keeping one hand on the infant and the other on a toddler, simply click the seat in place and begin moving. This is a fantastic option for long trips, when you don't want to have to unbuckle and then buckle your child every couple of minutes.
Parents with twins typically prefer an option that can accommodate two infant car seats at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this functionality, and also has the option of a bench seat that could be used by older siblings. It's not compatible with all infant car seats and can be quite heavy for some families.
Other parents would prefer a double stroller with an integrated car seat adapter that is compatible with all major infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers an excellent value for the features it offers. While it's not the ideal double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it only works with one), it can work well for a variety of families and is an excellent option for those looking to make a purchase that is a one-and-done deal.
Other double strollers require a more complicated procedure to attach and remove the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for example, requires that you push down, and then hear an audible click to confirm it's securely secured. It can be a bit more difficult to use in parking areas especially when you have hungry or tired children. As it grows with your family, we don’t consider it the best option for parents of twins. You'll need to purchase an additional toddler chair once your children are old enough.
Durability
A double stroller and infant car seats should be durable and built to last. It should also fit your budget and lifestyle whether you plan to use it for a few years or many more. When purchasing a stroller, consider the fabric of the stroller and its components, including its tires.
Look for a stroller with large and deep storage basket that will hold plenty of diapers, groceries and other necessities. twin stroller and cup holders are useful as is an umbrella sunshade that offers ample coverage. Also, make sure the stroller is able be able to handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins might prefer a side-by-side stroller for the same level of visibility and accessibility to both children, while others with kids of different ages might choose a tandem model that allows the rear child to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers are bulkier than single strollers and could cause siblings to fight, especially if they have seats that are different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar can help you adjust it to the appropriate height for your needs, and a one-hand fold mechanism is a convenient 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 like the CYBEX Gazelle S offers unparalleled flexibility that lets you mix and match seating units and cot attachments for multiples, twins or a single rider of varying age groups. The durable design and flexibility in seating configurations makes it a great investment if you plan to keep it for a number of years to come.
Safety
A great stroller should be safe for both children in the seats as well as the parent pushing them. Alli Cavasino is a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests you select strollers that have ergonomic handlebars that are easy to use breaks and an adjustable harness. She also advises avoiding any accessories that increase the weight of the stroller, like ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller needs to be strong enough to traverse different surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks and parks trails. It should be sturdy enough to traverse curbs and bumps with ease and also able to be adapted to maneuver over a steep incline or climbing and descending stairways. Additionally, it should be simple to fold and fit into a trunk without any compromise in size or mobility.
Parents with twins or other siblings close in age may want to consider a stroller that accommodates two car seats for infants. This will give them the freedom to move sleeping kids from the car into the stroller without disturbing them. 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.
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 transforms into a second seat once your children are old enough for their car seat. It has stadium seating with plenty of legroom and can be configured so that your children can face eachother or the world. It is not able to accommodate two bassinets, an infant car seat, and a riding board at the exact same time. It is a great choice for families with several young children.