Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat is a necessity for twins or two kids of close age. If you are planning to purchase one, you must consider your budget and the length of time you're planning to use the stroller.
Kate says she likes the fact that the stroller is light and maneuvers well. She also liked the ease with which it folded, but found the magnetic buckles difficult to secure.
Size
Size is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a double stroller with an infant car seat infant. The stroller should be small and slim enough that parents are able to easily maneuver it through 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.
Think about a double stroller that includes two seats and can accommodate a car seat for infants when you plan to have twins or children who are similar in age. These types of strollers are more expensive than other double strollers however, they come with a longer life span and can be used until toddlerhood or even past. For example our top choice is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double comes with a variety of seating options and can accept two infant car seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also love strollers that can be used with different brands of infant car seats which means that there is an array of models for families to choose from. The UPPAbaby vista, for example can be used with the UPPAbaby mesha as well as other infant car seats that come with adapters. It is also compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third standing passenger.
Some parents opt to purchase a single-to-double stroller which can adapt to an additional child, but we suggest purchasing what you need at the right time. You might have 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 heavier than single strollers. They have two seats as well as more cargo, which means the weight of the final pushing load is greater. This is an important factor to take into consideration when selecting the best model, especially when you intend to use it for long walks or jogs. The most effective models can handle the extra weight without flexing and shifting.
You should also consider the durability of double-strollers. The more expensive models have a good build and seating versatility that indicates they'll last longer than budget-friendly models. The joovy Qool double bundle, for example, accepts car seat adapters for two infant carseats and can accommodate a second rider by attaching a bassinet. This setup is suitable for twins, kids of different ages or siblings that have gaps in age.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a great alternative for parents with a limited budget since it can be transformed into a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two car seats for infants. best double strollers and compact making it easy to maneuver, even with the additional 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 kids with different ages and stage. Its side by side seat design is able to accommodate twins or children of different ages. It can also be customized with additional features like dual canopies or twin bassinets. This stroller can be used for multiple purposes. It also has an easy fold and a tiny footprint that makes it easy 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 be carried or seated in a car seat.
Convenience
It can be easier and less stressful to take your family on a trip when you can transfer your infant's car seat seamlessly from the car to the stroller. Instead of trying to fold a stroller, while keeping one hand on the baby and another on a toddler, simply click the seat in place and start moving. This is a great option for long trips, when you don't want to unbuckle and buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents with twins choose an option that can accommodate two infants in a car seat simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this capability, and has 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 certain families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller with an integrated car seat adapter which is compatible with all 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 infant twins (it only works with one) it works well for a wide range of families and is a good option for those looking for a single purchase.
Other double strollers require a more intricate process to attach and detach the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist Double for instance, requires that you push down and then hear an audible click to confirm it's secured properly. It can be a bit more difficult to use in parking spaces particularly when you have hungry or exhausted children. And while it does grow with the family, we don't think it's the best choice for parents with twins since you'll need to buy an additional toddler seat when your kids are old enough to use it.
Durability
A double stroller with an infant car seat should be sturdy and built for long-term use. It should also be suited to your budget and lifestyle whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or many years. When making a purchase take into consideration the fabric of the stroller as well as its components, including its tires.
Choose a stroller with a a wide and deep storage basket that will hold plenty of diapers, groceries and other items. A large console for the parents with cup holders is beneficial, as is a sun canopy which provides adequate coverage. Make sure your stroller can handle off-road terrain and narrow city sidewalks.
Parents with twins may want a side by side stroller to allow equal access and visibility for both children. Other parents with children of different ages might choose a tandem stroller that allows the seat of the rear child to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers are heavier than single strollers and could cause siblings to fight if they have seats at different heights.
A stroller that has an adjustable handlebar allows you to adjust the height to suit your needs. Also the one-hand folding mechanism is useful. Another feature to look for is a small footprint that can easily fit in your trunk, and requires little storage space.
A modular stroller, such as the CYBEX Gazelle, offers unmatched flexibility. It is possible to mix and match the cots and seating units to accommodate multiples, twins or one child of various age groups. Its robust construction and seating configuration versatility suggest that this model is well worth the cost when you plan to keep it for a long time.
Safety
A good stroller should be safe for children in the seats as well as the parent who pushes them. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests choosing strollers that have ergonomic handlebars, easy-to-use brakes and a seat harness that is adjustable. She also suggests avoiding accessories that add weight of a stroller for children like ride-on boards, as well as additional child seats.
A double stroller must be sturdy enough to handle different surfaces including suburban sidewalks, paths to paved roads. It should be sturdy enough to traverse curbs and bumps easily and also able to be adapted to navigate a steep slope or a staircase that goes up and down. Finally it should be easy to fold and fit into a trunk without losing its size or mobility.
Parents of twins or children who are close in age might be looking at a stroller that accommodates two car seats for infants. This will give them the ability to move sleepy kids from the car into a stroller without disturbing them up. Many of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with two car seats for infants like 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 are sold separately) and includes an additional rumble seat that transforms into a second seat once your kids outgrow their car seat. It features stadium seating with plenty of leg room and can be set up to make your children face each other or the entire world. It's not able for two bassinets or an infant car seat and riding board simultaneously but it's an excellent choice for families with multiple young children.