Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat is essential for twins or two kids who are close in age. If you plan to buy one, you must consider your budget and the length of time you hope to use the stroller for.
Kate says she likes the fact that this stroller is light and maneuvers well. She also liked how easily it folded, but found the buckles with magnetic buckles difficult to fasten.
Size
When selecting a double stroller that includes an baby car seats the size is a major aspect to consider. The stroller should be small and slim enough that parents are able to effortlessly maneuver it on busy sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. The stroller should also be compact and easy to fold so that it can fit into the trunk of a smaller vehicles.
If you plan on having twins or children that are close in age, you should consider purchasing a double stroller with two seats that can fit infant car seats. These double strollers are more expensive, however, they last longer and can be used up to the age of toddler or even beyond. Our top pick, the UPPAbaby V2 Double, comes with a variety of seating options. It can accept two toddler seats or infant seats which convert into bassinets.
We also like strollers that can be used with a range of infant car seats. This gives families a larger selection to pick from. For instance, the UPPAbaby Vista is compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa, as well as a variety of other infant car seats that have adapters, and it is compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.
Some parents purchase a double or single stroller that can be modified to accommodate a second child. We recommend that you purchase what you need right now. There is a chance that a second child arrive later than you anticipated or your first child may not be able to walk. The type of seating you can use in a double stroller, which includes an infant car seat can affect the relationship between siblings, particularly if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are generally heavier than single models. Double strollers come with two seats, and carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller will be heavier. This weight is important to consider when choosing your preferred model, particularly if you plan on using it for long walks and jogging. The most effective models can handle the extra weight without shifting and swinging.
You should also consider the longevity of double-strollers. The more expensive strollers are constructed better and come with more seating options, so they will last longer than their less expensive counterparts. The double bundle from Joovy, for instance, accepts adapters to fit two infant car seats and can accommodate a secondary rider via a bassinet that attaches. This model is perfect for twins or children of different ages, or siblings with a gap between them.
Budget-conscious parents may 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 and easy to move around despite the extra weight.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It is comparable to award-winning models that are more expensive and offers different seating configurations. The side-by-side design of the seat allows for twins or kids with varying ages. Additionally, it can be customized with accessories like dual canopy, twin bassinets or modified seats that act as toddler seats. It is also easy to fold and has a compact footprint, making it easier to fit into the trunk. The stroller is not meant to be used until children can sit up on their own without assistance, so infants younger than that will need to either be carried or seated in a car seat.
Convenience
Seamlessly transferring your infant car seat from the vehicle into the stroller can make family trips easier and less stressful. You can simply click the seat into place and move the stroller without folding it while holding a baby and a toddler. This convenience is especially useful for long journeys when you may 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 a bench seat for older siblings. It is not compatible with all infant car seats and can be a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents prefer a double stroller with an integrated car seat adapter that is compatible with all the major infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is an excellent option and is available at a very friendly price for what you get. Although it's not the most ideal double stroller for infant twins (it can only be used with one), it can work well for a wide range of families and is a great option if you're looking for a single purchase.
Other double strollers have a more complex method of attaching and detaching the car seat. For instance the UPPAbaby Vist double requires you to push down, and then hear a loud click in order to be sure that it's secured properly. It's a little more challenging to use in a parking lot, especially if your kids are tired or hungry. While it grows with your family, we don't think it’s the best choice for parents with twins. You'll need purchase an additional toddler chair once your children reach an age.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat should be durable and built for longevity. It should also fit your lifestyle and budget whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or many years. Take into consideration the quality of the stroller's fabric as well as the components, including the tires, when you make your purchase.
A stroller that has a large and deep basket can hold plenty of diapers, food items, and other items. A large console for the parents with cup holders can be beneficial, as is a sun canopy which provides adequate coverage. Also, ensure that the stroller is able to handle off-road terrain and navigate narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins might prefer a stroller that is side by side to provide equal access and visibility for both children. Parents with children of different ages may opt for a tandem stroller that allows the rear child's seat to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers however, and they can cause sibling squabbles if the seats are at different heights.
A stroller with a handlebar that is adjustable can help you adjust it to the appropriate height for you, and the one-hand fold mechanism is a convenient 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 like the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unparalleled flexibility and allows you to mix and match seating units and cot attachments for twins, multiples, or single riders of various age groups. The durable design and versatility in seating configurations make it a great investment if you plan to keep it for a number of years.
Safety
A great stroller should be safe for children who are in the seat as well as the parent who pushes them. Alli Cavasino is a certified child-passenger safety specialist, suggests you select a stroller with ergonomic handlebars, with simple-to-use breaks and a harness that can be adjusted. Push Chairs And Prams suggests avoiding accessories that increase the weight of the stroller for children like ride-on boards, as well as extra child seats.
A double stroller should be strong enough to handle different surfaces including suburban sidewalks and park trails to paved roads. It should be strong enough to navigate curbs and bumps without difficulty, but flexible enough to climb steep stairs or climb steep incline. Finally it should be easy to fold and fit into a trunk without losing its dimensions or mobility.
Parents of twins or siblings who are similar in age may be interested in a double stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants. This will give them the ability to move sleepy kids from the car into a stroller without disturbing them. A majority of our top-scoring strollers can be used with two infant car seats, such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
Another alternative is the Joovy Qool double bundle, which can be used with two infant car seats (car seat adapters are sold separately) and comes with an add-on Rumble seat that can be converted into a second one when 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 are facing each other 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 choice for families with multiple young children.