Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat can be a must for twins or kids with similar ages. When you're planning to buy a stroller, consider your budget as well as the length of time you'll use it.
Kate loved that the stroller was light and easy to maneuver. She also liked how easily it folded, however she found the magnetic buckles difficult to secure.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when choosing a double stroller that includes a car seat for your infant. Parents must be able to move the stroller comfortably on busy sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which means it should be small and compact. The stroller should also be small and easy to fold so that it can fit in the trunk of a small vehicles.
Think about a double stroller that has two seats and is able to accommodate a car seat for an infant if you are planning to have twins or children that are close in age. These options will be more expensive than other double strollers, but they have a longer life span and can be used through toddlerhood or even past. Our top choice, the UPPAbaby V2 Double, has a variety of seating options. It can accommodate two infant seats or toddler seats which convert into bassinets.
We also love strollers that can be used with different infant car seat brands, as this offers a wider selection of strollers for families to pick from. The UPPAbaby Vista, for instance, can accept the UPPAbaby mesha and other infant car seats that come with adapters. It is also compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third standing passenger.
Some parents buy a double or single stroller that can be adjusted to accommodate another child. We recommend that you purchase 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. The seating arrangement in a double stroller that includes an infant car seat can also make or break the relationship between siblings particularly if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers weigh more than single models. They have two seats as well as more cargo, meaning the weight of the final push is greater. This is an important factor to consider when deciding on the best model, especially when you intend to use it for long walks or running. The best models will handle the extra weight without flexing and shifting.
It's also worth weighing the cost of a double stroller versus its longevity. The higher-end strollers are built better and have more seating options, so they will last longer than their less expensive counterparts. The joovy Qool double bundle is one example. It can accept car seat adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a second rider through an attachable bassinet. This arrangement is suitable for twins, children of different ages, or siblings that have gaps in age.
Budget-conscious parents may consider the Baby Trend Double Snap N-Go an appealing option since it is compatible with two infant car seats and can be converted into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It is lightweight and compact making it easy to move around even with the extra weight.
Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's comparable to award-winning models which are more expensive and offers different seating configurations. Its side-byside seat design makes it suitable for twins or kids with different ages, and it can be customized with accessories such as dual canopies, twin bassinets or modified seats that function as toddler seats. This stroller can be used for multiple purposes. It also has a quick fold and a compact footprint, making it easier to fit in a trunk. The stroller is not meant to be used until children are able sit up on their own without assistance, so infants younger than that need to either be carried or placed into a car seat.
Convenience
Transferring your infant's car seat from the vehicle into the stroller can make family outings easier and less stressful. Rather than attempting to fold a stroller while keeping one hand on the baby and another on a toddler, you can simply click the seat into place and start moving. This is a fantastic option for long journeys, especially when you don't want to unbuckle and then buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents with twins opt for an option that can accommodate two infants in the car seat at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this capability, and has an adjustable bench seat that can be used by older siblings. It is not compatible with all infant car seats and may be a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller that has an integrated car seat adapter which is compatible with all the major infant car safety seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers an excellent value for the features it offers. Although it's not the most ideal double stroller for infant twins (it can only be used with one), it can work well for a variety of families and is a great option if you're looking for a one-and-done purchase.
Other double strollers come with an even more complicated process for attaching and disconnecting the car seat. For example, the UPPAbaby vist double requires you to press down, then hear a loud click for confirmation that it's secured properly. It's a little more challenging to use in a parking lot 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 with twins. You'll need to buy an additional toddler chair once your children reach an age.
Durability
A double stroller with infant car seats must be sturdy and built to last. It should also be a good fit for your budget and lifestyle whether you intend to use it for just few years or more. When purchasing a stroller be sure to consider the fabric of the stroller and its components, like its tires.
Look for lightweight double pushchair with large and deep storage basket that will accommodate plenty of groceries, diapers and other items. A large console for the parents and cup holders are useful, as is a sun canopy that provides ample coverage. Also, make sure the stroller can handle off-road terrain and navigate the narrow sidewalks of cities.
Parents of twins may prefer a side-by-side stroller for equal visibility and access to both children. However, others with kids with different ages may prefer a tandem model that allows the rear child to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers are heavier than single strollers, and can cause siblings to fight if they have seats at different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar allows you to adjust the height to suit your preferences. Also, a one-hand folding mechanism can be useful. A compact footprint is another feature to take into consideration. It should easily fit in your trunk, and will require only a little storage space.
A stroller that is modular, such as the CYBEX Gazelle, offers unmatched flexibility. You can mix and mix and match the seating units and cots to accommodate multiples, twins or one child of various age groups. Its sturdy construction and seating configuration versatility make it clear that this top-of-the-line model is worth the investment should you intend to keep it for a long period of time.
Safety
A safe stroller is secure for the child sitting in the seat, as well as for the person pushing it. 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 increase the weight of the stroller, like ride-on boards or extra child seats.
A double stroller should be strong enough to withstand a variety surfaces including suburban sidewalks and park trails to paved roads. It should be sturdy enough to traverse curbs and bumps easily and also able to be adapted to maneuver over a steep incline or up and down stairways. Additionally, it should be simple to fold and fit into a trunk without any compromise in size or mobility.
Parents of twins or children who are close in age might need to think about a stroller that accommodates two car seats for infants. This allows them to transfer sleeping children from the car to the stroller without waking them up. Many of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with two car seats for infants like 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-style seating with plenty of room for legs and can be configured so that your kids can face each other or the world. It can't accept two bassinets or an infant car seat or riding board simultaneously however it's a great option for families with several young children.
