Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that comes with an infant car seat could be essential if you have twins or kids with similar ages. If you're considering buying a stroller, consider your budget and the length of time you'll use it.
Kate liked that the stroller was light and easy to maneuver. She also liked how easily it folded, but found the buckles that are magnetic difficult to fasten.
Size
When selecting a double stroller with infant car seats, size is a crucial aspect to consider. The stroller should be compact and slim enough that parents are able to effortlessly maneuver it on busy sidewalks or through the narrow subway gates. The stroller should also be small and easy to fold so that it can be tucked away into the trunk of a small vehicles.
If you're planning on having twins or children that are very similar in age, you should consider purchasing a double stroller with two seats that can fit infant car seats. These options will be more expensive than other double strollers but they have a longer stroller life and can be used into toddlerhood or even beyond. Our top pick, the UPPAbaby V2 Double, comes with a variety of seating options. It can accept two toddler seats or infant seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also like strollers that can be used with different brands of infant car seats which means that there is a wider selection of strollers for families to pick from. The UPPAbaby vista, for example, can accept the UPPAbaby mesha and other infant car seats that have adapters. It is also compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third passenger standing.
Some parents buy a stroller that is single to double that can be adjusted to accommodate another child. We suggest purchasing what you need right now. The second child may arrive later than you expect, or your first kid may not take to walking. Furthermore, the style of seating on a double stroller with infant car seats can affect siblings, particularly for children who are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are generally heavier than single strollers. Double strollers have two seats, and they carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller is heavier. It's important to factor in this weight when deciding on your ideal model, particularly when you'll be using it for long jogs or walks. The most effective models can handle the extra weight without flexing and swinging.
You should also think about the longevity of a double-stroller. The top strollers are constructed better and have more seating configuration options which means they last longer than their less expensive counterparts. The double bundle from Joovy is a good example. It accepts adapters to fit two infant car seats and can accommodate a secondary rider via a bassinet that attaches. This is a great option for twins or children of different ages, or siblings who have gaps between them.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a great choice for parents on a tight budget, as it can be converted to a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two infant car seat. It's compact and lightweight which makes it easy to maneuver despite the added weight.
Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's similar to higher-priced award winners and offers a variety of seating options for children of different ages and stages. The side-by-side design of the seat allows for twins or kids of varying ages, and it can be customised with add-ons like dual canopies, twin bassinets or modified seats that double as toddler seats. This versatile stroller also has an easy fold and a tiny footprint that makes it easier to be tucked away in the trunk. The stroller is not meant to be used until children are able to sit without assistance, so babies older than that will need to be carried or seated in a car seat.
Convenience
It is easier and less stressful to take your family on a vacation if you transfer your infant car seat easily from the car to the stroller. You can easily click the seat into place and move the stroller without folding it with a baby and a toddler. This is a great option for long trips, when you don't want to unbuckle and then buckle your child every couple of minutes.
Many parents with twins choose a travel system which can accommodate two infants in the car seat simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, has this capability and comes with the added benefit of having a bench seat for older siblings. It's not compatible with all infant car seats and can be quite heavy for some families.
Other parents would prefer double strollers with an adapter for car seats built-in that works with the majority of infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a great value for the features it offers. It's not the best double-stroller for twin infants, as it only works with one. However it's an excellent choice for a lot of families.
Other double strollers require a more intricate process to attach and detach the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double is one example. It requires you to push down and then hear a loud click to ensure it's secured properly. It's a bit more difficult to use in a parking lot particularly if your kids are hungry or tired. While it will grow with your family, we don't think it's the best choice for parents of twins. You'll need to buy an additional toddler chair once your children are old enough.
Durability
A double stroller with infant car seat needs to be durable and built to last. It should also fit your lifestyle and budget, whether you plan to use it for few years or more. When you are making a purchase be sure to consider the fabric of the stroller and its components, like its tires.
A stroller with a big and deep basket can accommodate plenty of diapers, groceries, and other supplies. A spacious parent console and cup holders are beneficial and so is a sun canopy that gives plenty of coverage. Make sure the 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 to both children. Others with children of different ages may choose a tandem stroller which allows the seat of the rear child to be adjusted by raising or lowering it. Tandem strollers are generally larger than single strollers however, they can cause sibling rivalries if the seats are at different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar will allow you to adjust the height to your liking. Also the one-hand folding mechanism is useful. A small footprint is another aspect to consider. It should be able to fit in your trunk and require minimal storage space.
A modular stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to mix and match seating units and cot attachments for multiples, twins, or single riders of various ages. The sturdy construction and flexibility in seating arrangements make it a great purchase if you intend to keep it for many years.
Safety
A good stroller should be safe for the children who are in the seat as well as the parent who pushes them. Alli Cavasino is a certified child-passenger safety technician, suggests that you select a stroller with ergonomic handlebars, with simple-to-use breaks and a harness that can be adjusted. She also advises avoiding any accessories that increase the weight of a stroller, like ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller should be strong enough to handle a variety surfaces, from suburban sidewalks and paths to paved roads. It should be strong enough to navigate bumps and curbs easily, but flexible enough to climb stairs or navigate steep incline. It should also be able to fold up and squeeze into the trunk of a vehicle without compromising its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or siblings who are similar in age may be interested in a double stroller that can accommodate two car seats for infants. This will give them the freedom to move sleeping kids from the car into a stroller without disturbing them. Many of our best-scoring strollers are compatible with a two infant car seat, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or 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 are sold separately) and comes with an extra Rumble seat that can be converted into a second seat once your children outgrow their car seat. It has stadium-style seating with plenty of room for legs and can be configured so that your kids can meet each other and the world. It's not able to accommodate two bassinets or an infant car seat and riding board at the same time, but it's a great option for families with several young children.