Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that comes with an infant car seat may be a must when you have twins or children with similar age. If you're considering buying a stroller, think about your budget and the length of time you'll use it.
Kate says she liked the fact that this stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked how easily it folded, but she found the magnetic buckles difficult to fasten.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when choosing a double stroller that comes with car seats for your infant. The stroller should be compact and slim enough that parents are able to easily maneuver it through crowded sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. The stroller should also be small and easy to fold so that it can fit into the trunk of a smaller vehicles.
Consider a double stroller that includes two seats and can accommodate a car seat for an infant when you plan to have twins or children who are close in age. Double strollers are more expensive but have a longer lifespan and can be used up to the age of toddler or even beyond. Our top choice, the UPPAbaby V2 Double, comes with a variety of seating configurations. It can accommodate two toddler seats or infant seats that convert into bassinets.
We also like strollers that work with many different brands of infant car seats which means that there is more models for families to choose from. For instance the UPPAbaby Vista is compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa and several other infant car seats using adapters, and it works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.
Some parents purchase a stroller that is single to double, which can be adapted to accommodate an additional child. We suggest buying what you need right now. A second child could arrive later than you expect or your first child might not be a fan of walking. Moreover, the type of seating in a double stroller that includes an infant car seat can have a major impact on siblings' relationships, especially for kids that are very close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single models. Double strollers come with two seats and carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller is heavier. This is a factor to take into consideration when selecting the best model, especially in case you intend to use it for long walks and running. The best models are well-engineered to withstand the extra weight with the least amount of flexing or shifting.
You should also consider the longevity of a double-stroller. The top strollers are constructed better and have more seating configurations, so they will last longer than their budget-friendly counterparts. The joovy qool double bundle is a good example. It accepts car seat adapters for two infant carseats and can accommodate a second child through an attachable bassinet. This model is perfect for twins or children of different ages or siblings who have an in-between gap.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a good choice for parents on a budget, as it can be transformed into a tandem stroller (single file) and can accommodate two infant car seat. It's light and compact making it easy to maneuver, even with the additional weight.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It is comparable to models that have won awards, but are more expensive and offers various seating options. Its side-by-side seat design can accommodate twins or children with different age groups. It can also be customized with additional features like twin bassinets with dual canopies. This stroller is also easy to fold 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 without assistance, so infants younger than that need to be carried or put in a car seat.
Convenience
It is simpler and less stressful to take your family on a vacation by transferring your infant's car seat easily from the vehicle to the stroller. You can simply click the seat into position and move the stroller without having to fold it while holding a baby and a toddler. This is particularly useful for long trips when you may not want to unbuckle and buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents who have twins choose an option that can accommodate two infants in the car seats at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this functionality, and also has a bench seat that can be used by older siblings. However, it's not compatible with all brands of infant car seats and it's a little heavy for certain families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller that has an adapter for carseats that is built-in that works with the majority of infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is an excellent choice, and it comes in at a very friendly price for what you get. While it's not the best double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it only works with one), it can work well for a wide range of families and is a great option if you're looking to make a purchase that is a one-and-done deal.
Other double strollers require a more complicated process to attach and detach the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double for instance, 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 tired or hungry. While it grows with your family, we don’t think it's the best choice for parents of twins. You will have purchase an additional toddler chair once your children are old enough.
Durability
A double stroller with infant car seat needs to be sturdy and built to last. It should also suit your budget and lifestyle whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or several years. Consider the quality of the fabric and its components, including its tires, before making your purchase.
A stroller that has a large and deep basket can hold plenty of diapers, food items, and other items. A spacious parent console and cup holders are useful as is a sun canopy that provides ample coverage. Also, make sure the stroller is able to be able to handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins might prefer a side-by-side stroller for equal visibility and access to both children, whereas those with children with different ages may prefer a tandem model that allows the rear child to be raised or lowered. Tandem strollers weigh more than single strollers and can cause siblings to fight if they are equipped with seats of different heights.
A stroller equipped with an adjustable handlebar will assist you in adjusting it to the appropriate height for your needs, and a one-hand fold mechanism can be a useful feature. A compact footprint is another feature to take into consideration. It should be able to fit into your trunk and will require only a little storage space.
A modular stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unparalleled flexibility and allows you to mix and match seating units and cot attachments for multiples, twins, or one rider of different ages. This high-end model's durable construction and flexibility in seating configurations makes it a great purchase if you intend to keep it for many years.
Safety
A safe stroller is secure for the child sitting in the seat as well as for the parent pushing it. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests looking for strollers that have ergonomic handlebars, simple brakes and a seat harness that can be adjusted. She also recommends avoiding accessories that add to the burden of a stroller like ride-on boards, or additional child seats.
double pushchair should be sturdy enough to navigate various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park trails. It should be strong enough to withstand bumps and curbs with ease, but also flexible for navigating a steep incline or a staircase that goes up and down. It should also be simple to fold up and fit into the trunk of a car, without any compromise in size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or other siblings who are close in age might be interested in a double stroller that can accommodate two car seats for infants. This allows them to move asleep children from the car to the stroller without having them wake up. Many of our best-scoring strollers are compatible with two infant car seats, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or 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 comes with an add-on rumble seat that converts into a second seat when your children are old enough for their car seat. It offers stadium-style seating with plenty of space for legs and is able to be set so that your kids can face each other or the world. It cannot accept two bassinets, an infant car seat, and riding boards at the exact same time. It is a great choice for families with multiple young children.