Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat is a necessity for twins or two children of close age. If you are planning to purchase one, you must take into consideration your budget and how long you plan to use the stroller for.
Kate says she likes the fact that the stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked the fact that it folds easily, though she did find the buckles magnetic difficult to secure.
Size
Size is a major aspect to take into consideration when selecting a double stroller that includes a car seat for your baby. The stroller should be small and slim so parents can effortlessly maneuver it on busy sidewalks or through the narrow subway gates. In addition, the stroller should be easy to fold and small enough to fit into a trunk or smaller vehicle to store.
Consider a double stroller that includes two seats and can accommodate infant car seat if you are planning to have twins or children that are close in age. Double strollers cost more, but have a longer lifespan and can be used until the age of toddlers or beyond. Our top pick is the UPPAbaby V2 Double, comes with a variety of seating options. It can accept two infant seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also like strollers that can be used with different infant car seat brands and offers a wider selection of strollers for families to pick from. For instance, the UPPAbaby Vista can accept the UPPAbaby Mesa and several other infant car seats that have adapters. It also can be used with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for the third, standing person.
Parents may opt to purchase a stroller that is single-to-double and can adapt to a second child, but we recommend purchasing what you need at the right time. A second child could arrive later than you expect or your primary child might not be a fan of walking. The type of seating you can use in a double stroller with an infant car seat can also make or break the relationship between siblings, especially if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are heavier than single strollers. They have two seats as well as more cargo, meaning the weight of the final pushing load is greater. It's crucial to take into account this weight when you're deciding on the best model, particularly in the event that you'll use it for long walks or jogs. The most effective models are designed to handle the extra load with the least amount of shifting or swaying.
You should also think about the longevity of a double-stroller. The higher-end strollers are built better and come with more seating configurations which means they last longer than their lower-cost counterparts. The joovy Qool double bundle, for example, accepts car seat adapters for two infant carseats and can accommodate a second rider via an attachable bassinet. This configuration can work for twins, children of different ages, or siblings that have gaps in age.
Parents on a budget might consider the Baby Trend Double Snap-N'Go an appealing option, since it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be converted into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to move around despite the added weight.
Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's comparable to award-winning models that are more expensive and offer multiple seating configurations. Its side by side seat design is able to accommodate twins or children of various ages. It can also be customized with accessories like dual canopies or twin bassinets. This stroller can be used for multiple purposes. It also has a quick fold and a small footprint, making it easier to be tucked away in a trunk. The stroller isn't designed to be used until children can sit up without assistance, so babies younger than that will require assistance or put in a car seat.
Convenience
Seamlessly transferring your infant car seat from the car into the stroller can make family outings more enjoyable and less stressful. You can click the seat into position and move the stroller without folding it while holding a baby and a toddler. This feature is particularly helpful for long journeys where you don't need to unbuckle or re-buckle your child every few minutes.
Parents with twins typically choose a travel system that can accommodate two infant car seats at once. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, provides this functionality and has the added benefit of having a bench seat for older siblings. It is not compatible with all infant car seats, and can be quite heavy for some families.
Some parents choose a double-stroller equipped with an adapter for car seats that is integrated that works with all the major infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is an excellent choice and comes at a price that is very reasonable for what you get. It's not the most ideal double-stroller for twins since it works with one. However it's a great option for many families.
Other double strollers have a more complex process for attaching and disconnecting the car seat. For instance the UPPAbaby vist v2 double requires you to press down, 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 areas, especially when you have hungry or tired children. It can be a bit more difficult to use with the family, we don't think it's the most suitable option for parents with twins since you'll have to purchase an additional toddler seat when your children are old enough to use it.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seats should be sturdy and built to last. It should also be a good fit for your budget and lifestyle whether you plan to use it for just a few years or many more. When making a purchase take into consideration the fabric of the stroller as well as its components, like its tires.
Choose a stroller with a large and deep storage basket that will hold plenty of diapers, food items and other necessities. A large console for the parents with cup holders is also beneficial, as is a sun canopy that provides adequate coverage. Also, ensure that the stroller is able to handle off-road terrain and navigate narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may choose an equilateral stroller to give the same level of visibility and accessibility to both children. However, parents with children of different ages might choose a tandem style that allows the rear child to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers tend to be larger than single strollers however, they can cause sibling squabbles in the event that the seats are different heights.
A stroller equipped with an adjustable handlebar will assist you in adjusting it to the ideal height for you, and a one-hand fold mechanism is an excellent feature. Another thing to look for is a compact footprint that can easily fit in your trunk and requires minimal storage space.
A modular stroller such as the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unparalleled flexibility and allows you to mix and match seating units as well as cot attachments for twins, multiples, or single riders of various age groups. Its robust design and a variety of seating configurations suggest that this model is worth the price when you plan to keep it for a long time.
Safety
A quality stroller must 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 that have ergonomic handlebars, easy-to-use brakes and a seat harness that is adjustable. She also suggests avoiding any accessories that increase the weight of the stroller for children like ride-on boards, as well as additional child seats.
A double stroller must be strong enough to withstand various surfaces including suburban sidewalks, paths to paved roads. It should be strong enough to navigate curbs and bumps without difficulty and yet flexible enough to scale steep steps or negotiate steep slopes. It should also be simple to fold up and squeeze into the trunk of a car, without compromising its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or other siblings who are similar in age might think about a double stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants. This will give them the freedom to move sleeping kids from the car into the stroller without disturbing them. pushchair twin of our top-scoring strollers work with two infant car seats, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Another option is the joovy qool double bundle, which can be used 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 outgrow their car seat. It has stadium seating with plenty of leg room and can be set up so that your children can are facing each other or the world. It can't accommodate two bassinets, a baby car seat, and riding boards at the exact same time. However, it is a great option for families with multiple young children.