Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat could be a must if you have twins or children with similar ages. If you're planning to purchase one, it's crucial to consider your budget and how long you plan to use the stroller.
Kate says she was pleased with the stroller's lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked the fact that it folds easily, though she did find the buckles magnetic difficult to fasten.
Size
Size is an important aspect to take into consideration when selecting a double stroller with an infant car seat infant. The stroller should be small and slim enough that parents are able to effortlessly maneuver it on busy sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. Additionally the stroller should be easy to fold and small enough to fit in the trunk of a car or a smaller vehicle for storage.
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 be able to 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 beyond. Our top choice is the UPPAbaby V2 Double, offers a range of seating configurations. It can be used with two infant seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also like strollers that can be used with a range of infant car seat brands. This allows families to have a wider selection to pick from. For example the UPPAbaby Vista can work with the UPPAbaby Mesa and several other infant car seats using adapters, and it is compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.
Parents may opt to purchase a single-to-double stroller which can be adjusted to accommodate an additional child, but we recommend purchasing what you need at the time. You may have another child arrive later than expected, or your first child might not be capable of walking. Moreover, the type of seating on a double stroller and infant car seat can have a major impact on sibling relations, especially for kids that are very close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single strollers. Double strollers have two seats, and they carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller is therefore heavier. It's important to factor in this weight when deciding on the best model, particularly if you'll be using it for long walks or jogs. The most efficient models are engineered to handle the extra load with minimal flexing or swaying.
It is also important to consider the longevity of double-strollers. The top models provide high-quality design and seating flexibility that suggests they'll last longer than less expensive models. The double bundle from Joovy, for instance, accepts adapters to fit two infant car seats and can accommodate a second passenger via a bassinet that attaches. This arrangement is suitable for twins, kids with different ages, or siblings who have an age gap.
Budget-conscious parents may consider the Baby Trend Double Snap-N-Go an attractive option, as it accepts two car seats for infants and can convert into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's light and compact, making it easy to maneuver even with the additional weight.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It is comparable to award-winning models which are more expensive, and comes with different seating configurations. Its side-byside seat design makes it suitable for twins or children with varying ages. Additionally, it can be customized by adding add-ons like dual canopies twin bassinets, or modified seats that double as toddler seats. The stroller can be folded easily and has a tiny footprint, making it easier to fit into a trunk. The stroller isn't designed to be used until children are able to sit up on their own without assistance, so babies older than that will need to either be carried or put in a car seat.
Convenience
It can be simpler and less stressful to take your family on a vacation when you can transfer your infant's car seat effortlessly from the vehicle to the stroller. You can easily click the seat in place and move the stroller without folding it with a baby and a toddler. This is particularly useful during long trips, when you may not need to unbuckle or re-buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents with twins opt for a travel system that can accommodate two infants in a car seat simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this functionality, and also has a bench seat that can be used by older siblings. It's not compatible with all infant car seats, and can be somewhat heavy for certain families.
Other parents prefer double strollers with an adapter for car seats built-in that works with all major infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is a great option and is available at a reasonable price for what you get. 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 choice if you're hoping for a one-and-done purchase.
Other double strollers require a more intricate procedure to attach and remove the car seat. For instance, the UPPAbaby vist double requires you to press down, and then hear a loud click in order to be sure that it's securely secured. double pram pushchair can be a bit more difficult to use in parking areas, especially when 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 that includes an infant car seat needs to be durable and built for long-term use. It should also suit your budget and lifestyle, whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or a number of years. When you are making a purchase be sure to consider the fabric of the stroller as well as its components, like its tires.
A stroller that has a large and deep basket is able to hold plenty of diapers, food items, and other things. A spacious parent console and cup holders are beneficial and so is an umbrella sunshade that offers plenty of coverage. Also, make sure the stroller is able manage off-road terrain and the narrow sidewalks of cities.
Parents with twins may want a side by side stroller to allow equal access and visibility for both children. Others with children of different ages may choose a tandem stroller which allows the rear child's seat to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers weigh more than single strollers, and can cause siblings to fight if they have seats at different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar allows you to adjust the height to suit your preferences. Also, a one-hand folding mechanism is convenient. A compact footprint is a further feature to think about. It should easily fit in your trunk and will require a small amount of storage space.
A modular stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to mix and match seating units and cot attachments for twins, multiples, or single riders of various age groups. Its sturdy construction and seating configuration versatility make it clear that this top-of-the-line model is worth the investment should you intend to keep it for a long period of time.
Safety
A great stroller should be safe for children who are in the seat as well as the parent pushing them. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests looking for strollers with ergonomic handlebars, simple brakes and a seat harness that is adjustable. She also advises avoiding any accessories that increase the burden of a stroller such as ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller needs to be strong enough to handle a variety surfaces including suburban sidewalks, parks trails to roads that are paved. It should be sturdy enough to handle curbs and bumps with ease, but flexible enough to climb stairs or climb steep incline. Finally it should be easy to fold and fit into a trunk of a car without any compromise in dimensions or maneuverability.
Parents with twins or other siblings close in age may need to think about a stroller that accommodates two car seats for infants. This will allow them to have the ability to move sleepy children from the car to the stroller without disturbing them. Many of our best-scoring strollers can be used with two infant car seat, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
The joovy double bundle is another option. It includes two infant car seats and an additional rumble chair that can be converted into a second seat once your children outgrow the car seat. It features a stadium-style seating arrangement with ample space for legs and is able to be set to let your kids face each other or the world. It cannot accept two bassinets, a baby car seat, or riding boards simultaneously. It is a great option for families with a lot of young children.