Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat can be a must when you have twins or kids with similar age. If you're considering buying a stroller, you should take into consideration your budget and the length of time you plan to use it.
Kate liked that the stroller was lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also appreciated the fact that it folds up easily, but she found the buckles with magnetic buckles difficult to secure.
Size
When selecting a double stroller that includes an infant car seat size is an important aspect to consider. The stroller should be compact and slim enough parents can easily maneuver it on crowded sidewalks or through the narrow subway gates. In addition, the stroller should be easy to fold and small enough to fit in a trunk or smaller vehicle to store.
Consider a double stroller which has two seats and is able to accommodate infant car seat in the event that 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 offer an extended stroller life and can be used through toddlerhood or even past. For example our top pick is the UPPAbaby Vista Double comes with a variety of seating options and will accept two infant car seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.
We also love strollers that are compatible with different infant car seat brands which means that there is a wider selection of models for families to choose from. The UPPAbaby Vista, for instance can be used with the UPPAbaby mesha and other infant car seats with adapters. It is also compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third person standing.
Some parents opt to purchase a stroller that is single-to-double and can be adapted to a second child, but we recommend purchasing the items you require at the right time. The second child may arrive later than you anticipated or your primary child may not be comfortable walking. The type of seating in a double stroller that includes an infant car seat could also affect the relationship between siblings particularly if they're close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single strollers. Double strollers have two seats, and carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller is therefore heavier. This is an important factor to consider when choosing the best model, especially in case you intend to use it for long walks or jogging. The most effective models can handle the extra weight without flexing and shifting.
It is also important to consider the longevity of double-strollers. The more expensive models have a high-quality design and seating versatility that indicates they'll last longer than less expensive rivals. The joovy Qool double bundle is one example. It can accept car seat adapters for two infant carseats and can accommodate a second rider through an attachable bassinet. This model is perfect for twins or children of different ages, or siblings with an in-between gap.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a good option for parents with a limited budget since it can be converted to a tandem stroller (single file) and can accommodate two infant car seat. It's lightweight and compact making it easy to maneuver, even with the extra weight.
Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's similar to award-winning models which are more expensive, and comes with different seating configurations. The side-by-side design of the seat allows for twins or children with varying ages. Additionally, side by side double stroller can be customized with accessories like dual canopy, 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 can sit up on their own without assistance, so children younger than that need to be carried or put in a car seat.
Convenience
It is easy to transfer your infant car seat from the car into the stroller can make family outings more enjoyable and less stressful. Instead of trying to fold a stroller, while keeping one hand on the baby and another on a toddler, simply click the seat into place and start moving. This feature is particularly helpful for long trips where you don't want to unbuckle and change your child's buckle every few minutes.
Parents with twins often prefer a travel system that will accommodate two infant car seats at once. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, provides this functionality and has the added benefit of a bench seat for older siblings. However, it doesn't work with all types of infant car seats, and it's a bit heavy for certain families.
Other parents prefer double strollers with an integrated car seat adapter that works with all major infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers an excellent value for the features it offers. Although it's not the most ideal double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it can only be used 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.
Some double strollers feature a more complex method of attaching and detaching the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double is one example. It requires you to press down and then hear an audible click to confirm it's secured properly. It's a little more challenging to use in a parking garage particularly if your children are hungry or tired. As it grows with your family, we don't think it's the best choice for parents of twins. You'll need to 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 long-term use. It should also be a good fit for your lifestyle and budget, whether you plan to use it for only few years or more. Consider the quality of the fabric and its components, including its tires, when making your purchase.
Look for side by side double stroller with a wide and deep storage basket that can accommodate plenty of diapers, groceries, and other supplies. A large parent console with cup holders can be beneficial, as is a sun canopy which provides adequate coverage. Also, make sure the stroller is able to manage off-road terrain and the narrow sidewalks of cities.
Parents of twins may prefer an equilateral stroller to give equal visibility and access to both children, while others with kids of different ages might prefer the tandem model, which allows the rear child to be raised or lowered. Tandem strollers are typically bulkier than single strollers, however, and can cause sibling rivalries if the seats are at different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar can assist you in adjusting it to the appropriate height for you and a one-hand fold mechanism is an excellent feature. A compact footprint is a further feature to consider. It should fit easily into your trunk and will require only a little storage space.
A modular stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S offers unparalleled flexibility that lets you mix and match seating options and cot attachments for twins, multiples, or one rider of different ages. Its robust construction and seating configuration versatility indicate that this high-end model is worth the investment when you plan to keep it for a long period of time.
Safety
A good stroller should be safe for children riding in the seats as well as the parent who pushes them. Certified child safety technician Alli Cavasino recommends looking for strollers with ergonomic handlebars, brakes that are easy to use and a seat harness that is adjustable. She also suggests avoiding accessories that add to the weight of the stroller, such as ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller should be sturdy enough to navigate a variety of surfaces smoothly including suburban sidewalks and parks trails. It should be robust enough to move over bumps and curbs with ease and yet flexible enough for navigating a steep incline or climbing and descending stairways. Finally it should be easy to fold and fit into a trunk without any compromise in size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or siblings who are close in age might think about a double stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants. This will allow them the flexibility to move sleeping kids from the car into a stroller without waking them. A majority of our top-scoring strollers are compatible 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 sold separately) and comes with an add-on rumble seat that transforms into a second seat when your children are old enough for their car seat. It offers stadium-style seating with plenty of room for legs and can be configured to let your kids interact with each other or the world. It is not able to accommodate two bassinets, an infant car seat, and riding boards simultaneously. It is a great choice for families with a lot of young children.