Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat can be essential when you have twins or kids of similar age. If you plan to buy one, you must think about your budget and the length of time you're planning to use the stroller.
Kate says she was pleased with the fact that this stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked the ease with which it folded, but she found the magnetic buckles difficult to secure.
Size
When choosing a double stroller with infant car seats size is an important factor to take into consideration. Parents should be able to maneuver the stroller easily in busy sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which implies that it should be fairly slim and compact. In addition the stroller must be simple to fold and compact enough to fit into the trunk of a car or a smaller vehicle for storage.
Think about a double stroller that includes two seats and can accommodate a car seat for infants in the event that you plan to have twins or children that are similar in age. These models will be more expensive than other double strollers, however they offer an extended stroller life and can be used into toddlerhood or even beyond. For instance our top pick is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double comes with a wide variety of seating configurations and can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also like strollers that work with a range of infant car seats. This gives parents a greater variety to choose from. For instance the UPPAbaby Vista can accept the UPPAbaby Mesa as well as other infant car seats using adapters, and also is compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for the third, standing person.
Some parents choose to buy a stroller that is single-to-double and can be adapted to the needs of a second child, but we suggest buying what you need at the time. The second child may arrive later than you expect or your first child might not be a fan of walking. The type of seating you can use in a double stroller, which includes an infant car seat could affect the bond between siblings, especially if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers weigh more than single models. They come with two seats and more cargo, meaning the weight of the final pushing load is greater. This weight is important to consider when choosing your preferred model, particularly in case you intend to use it for long walks or jogs. The best models are well-engineered to handle the additional load with a minimum of shifting or swinging.
It's also worth considering the cost of a double stroller versus its longevity. The higher-end models offer a quality build and seating configuration flexibility that suggests they'll last longer than less expensive competitors. The joovy double bundle is one example. It has adapters to fit two infant car seats and can accommodate a third child via a bassinet which attaches. This configuration can work for twins, children of different ages or siblings that have an age gap.
Budget-conscious parents may consider the Baby Trend Double Snap N-Go an attractive option, as it can accommodate two car seats for infants and can be converted into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to maneuver despite the added weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly alternative. It is comparable to award-winning models which are more expensive and offer multiple seating configurations. Its side-byside seat design makes it suitable twins or children with different ages, and it can be customized by adding accessories such as dual canopies twin bassinets, or modified seats that function as toddler seats. This versatile stroller also has an easy fold and a tiny footprint, making it easier to fit in a trunk. The stroller isn't designed to be used until children can sit without assistance, so babies older than that will need to either be carried or seated in a car seat.
Convenience
Transferring your infant's car seat from the car into the stroller can make family outings more enjoyable and less stressful. Instead of trying to fold the stroller while keeping one hand on the baby and another on a toddler, simply click the seat into place and begin moving. This convenience is especially useful during long trips, when you may not want to unbuckle and buckle your child every few minutes.
Parents with twins often prefer a travel system that can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this feature, and includes an adjustable bench seat that can be used by older siblings. However, it's not compatible with all types of infant car seats and it's a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller with an adapter for carseats that is built-in which is compatible with all the major infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is a great option and comes at a price that is very reasonable for what you get. Although it's not the most 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 a good option for those looking to make a purchase that is a one-and-done deal.
Other double strollers have a more complex procedure to attach and remove 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 is properly secured. It's a little more difficult to use in parking lots particularly in the case of hungry or tired children. As it grows with your family, we don't think it’s the best choice for parents of twins. You will have to purchase a separate toddler chair when your children reach an age.
Durability
A double stroller and infant car seats should be sturdy and built to last. It should also be a good fit for your lifestyle and budget, whether you intend to use it for a few years or more. When making a purchase be sure to consider the fabric of the stroller as well as its components, such as its tires.
A stroller with a large and deep basket can accommodate plenty of diapers, food items, and other items. A large console for parents and cup holders are also helpful as is an umbrella sunshade that offers plenty of coverage. Make sure that the stroller is able to handle off-road terrain and narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may prefer a stroller that is side by side to provide equal access and visibility for both children. Others with children of different ages could choose a tandem stroller that allows the seat of the rear child to be adjusted by raising or lowering it. Tandem strollers are generally heavier than single strollers, however, they could cause sibling fights if the seats are at different heights.
A stroller that has an adjustable handlebar can allow you to adjust the height to your liking. Also having a one-hand folding mechanism can be useful. Another thing to look for is a small footprint that fits easily in your trunk, and requires little storage space.
A stroller that is modular like the CYBEX Gazelle S offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to mix and match seating units and cot attachments for multiples, twins, or single riders of various ages. Its robust construction and the flexibility of its seating configuration make it clear that this top-of-the-line model is well worth the cost when you plan to keep it for a long time.
Safety
A well-constructed stroller is safe for the child sitting in the seat, as well as for the person pushing it. Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests you choose a stroller with ergonomic handlebars that are easy to use breaks and a movable harness. She also recommends avoiding accessories that add weight of the stroller for children like ride-on boards, as well as additional child seats.
A double stroller should be strong enough to withstand various surfaces, from suburban sidewalks and paths to paved roads. double pram and pushchair should be sturdy enough to withstand curbs and bumps without difficulty, but flexible enough to scale steep steps or negotiate steep slopes. It should also be easy to fold up and squeeze into the trunk of a vehicle without restricting its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or other siblings who are close in age might want to consider a double stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants. This allows them to move sleeping children from the car to the stroller without having them wake up. Many of our top-scoring strollers can be used with two infant car seat, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
The double joovy bundle is another option. It comes with two infant car seats and an additional rumble chair that can be transformed into a second seat when your children are no longer in the car seat. It features stadium seating with plenty of legroom and can be set up so that your children can are facing each other or the world. double pram pushchair can't accept two bassinets or an infant car seat and riding board at the same time however it's a great value for families with multiple young children.