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're considering buying a stroller, think about your budget as well as the length of time you plan to use it.
Kate liked the fact that the stroller was lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also appreciated the fact that it folds up easily, but she did find the buckles magnetic difficult to fasten.
Size
When choosing a double stroller that includes an infant car seats size is an important aspect to consider. The stroller should be compact and slim enough that parents can easily maneuver it on crowded sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. The stroller should also be small and easy to fold, to fit in a vehicle trunk or small vehicles.
Consider a double stroller that has two seats and is able to accommodate infant car seat if you are planning to have twins or children who are close in age. These types of strollers are more expensive than other double strollers but they have an extended stroller life and can be used into toddlerhood or even past. Our top pick, the UPPAbaby Double, offers a range of seating configurations. It can accept two infant seats or toddler seats which convert into bassinets.
We also like strollers that can be used with different brands of infant car seats, as this offers more strollers for families to pick from. For example, the UPPAbaby Vista can work with the UPPAbaby Mesa as well as other infant car seats that have adapters, and also is compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for a third, standing passenger.
Parents may opt to purchase a single-to-double stroller that can be adjusted to accommodate the needs of a second child, but we suggest buying what you need at the time. A second child could arrive later than you anticipated or your first child may not be comfortable walking. Moreover, the type of seating on a double stroller with infant car seats can have a major impact on siblings, particularly for kids that are very close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are heavier than single strollers. They have two seats and more cargo, so the final pushing weight is greater. It's crucial to take into account this weight when you're deciding on the best model, particularly if you'll be using it for long walks or jogs. The best models will handle the extra weight without shifting and swinging.
It is also important to consider the durability of double-strollers. The more expensive strollers are constructed better and come with more seating configuration options and will last longer than their lower-cost counterparts. The joovy qool double-bundle is one example. It can accept car seat adapters to fit two infant carseats. It also can accommodate a second passenger via an attachable bassinet. This setup is suitable for twins, kids of different ages, or siblings with gaps in age.
Budget-conscious parents may find 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 light and compact and easy to maneuver despite the additional weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly alternative. It's similar to models that have won awards, but are more expensive, and comes with various seating options. The side-by-side seat design is able to accommodate twins or children of various age groups. It can also be customized with accessories like dual canopies or twin bassinets. The stroller can be folded easily and has a tiny footprint, making it easier to fit into a trunk. It's not intended for use until kids are able to sit unassisted, however, so younger babies will require a carry or placed in a car seat.
Convenience
Transferring your infant's car seat from the vehicle into the stroller can make family outings more enjoyable and less stressful. You can easily click the seat into position and move the stroller without having to fold it while holding a baby or a toddler. This is a great convenience for long journeys, especially when you don't want to unbuckle and then return your child to the seat every few minutes.
Many parents with twins opt for an option that can accommodate two infants in a car seats 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.
Other parents would prefer a double stroller that has an integrated car seat adapter that works with all the major infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a great value for the features it provides. It's not the most ideal double-stroller for twins, as it only works with one. However it's an excellent choice for a lot of families.
Other double strollers require a more complicated process to attach and detach the car seat. For example, the UPPAbaby vist v2 double requires you to press down, and then hear a loud click for confirmation that it's securely secured. It can be a bit more difficult to use in parking spaces particularly in the case of hungry or exhausted children. While it will grow with your family, we don't consider it the best option for parents with twins. You will have purchase an additional toddler chair once your children reach an age.
Durability
A double stroller and infant car seat needs to be built to last. It should also be suited to your budget and lifestyle, whether you intend to use the stroller for a few or a number of years. When you are making a purchase, consider the fabric of the stroller and its components, including its tires.
Choose a stroller with a an ample and deep storage basket that can hold plenty of groceries, diapers and other items. A large console for parents and cup holders are also helpful as is an umbrella sunshade that offers plenty of coverage. Also, make sure the stroller can manage off-road terrain and narrow city sidewalks.
Parents with twins may want a side-by-side stroller to allow the same access and view to both children. double pushchair with children of different ages might opt for a tandem stroller that allows the seat of the rear child to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers are generally heavier than single strollers, however, they can cause sibling squabbles when the seats are set at different heights.
A stroller that has an adjustable handlebar allows you to adjust the height to suit your needs. Also, a one-hand folding mechanism is useful. A compact footprint is a further feature to take into consideration. It should easily fit in your trunk, and will require a small amount of storage space.
A stroller that is modular 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 age groups. Its sturdy 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 period of time.
Safety
A well-constructed stroller is safe for the child in the seat as well as for the parent pushing it. Alli Cavasino is a certified child-passenger safety specialist, suggests you look for strollers that have ergonomic handlebars that are easy to use breaks and a harness that can be adjusted. She also advises avoiding any accessories that increase the burden of a stroller like ride-on boards, or additional child seats.
A double stroller must be strong enough to withstand different surfaces including suburban sidewalks and park trails to paved roads. It should be strong enough to withstand curbs and bumps with ease but also flexible enough to climb stairs or climb steep incline. In addition it should be easy to fold and fit into a trunk without sacrificing its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or other siblings who are similar in age might want to consider a double stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants. This lets them transfer asleep children from the car to the stroller without waking them up. A majority of our top-scoring strollers can be used with two car seats for infants like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
The joovy double bundle is another option. It comes with two infant car seats as well as an additional rumble chair that can be converted into a second seat once your kids outgrow the car seat. It features stadium seating with plenty of legroom and can be configured to make your children face eachother or the world. It cannot accept two bassinets, a baby car seat, or riding boards at the exact same time. However, it is a great option for families with several young children.