Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with infant car seat is a necessity for twins or two children with similar ages. If you plan to buy one, it's important to think about your budget and how long you're planning to use the stroller.
Kate says she was pleased with the fact that this stroller is light and maneuvers well. She also liked that it folds easily, although she found the magnetic buckles difficult to secure.
Size
Size is an important aspect to take into consideration when selecting a double stroller that includes a car seat for your infant. Parents must be able maneuver the stroller easily in crowded sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which means that it should be fairly small and compact. The stroller should also be compact and easy to fold so that it can be tucked away in a vehicle trunk or small vehicles.
Consider a double stroller that includes two seats and can accommodate infant car seat in the event that you plan to have twins or children that are similar in age. Double strollers are more expensive however, they last longer and can be used until the age of toddlers or beyond. Our top choice, the UPPAbaby Double, comes with a variety of seating configurations. It can accept two toddler seats or infant seats which convert into bassinets.
We also like strollers that are compatible with a variety of infant car seat brands. This gives families a larger selection to choose from. The UPPAbaby vista, for example, 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 passenger standing.
Many parents buy a double or single stroller that can be adjusted to accommodate another child. We recommend purchasing what you need now. A second child could arrive later than you anticipated or your first child may not take to walking. Moreover, the type of seating in a double stroller that includes an baby car seats can affect siblings, particularly for kids that are very close in age.
double tandem pushchair tend to be heavier than single models. They come with two seats and more cargo, so the final pushing weight is higher. This is a factor to consider when choosing your preferred model, particularly if you plan on using it for long walks or running. The most efficient models are engineered to handle the additional load with the least amount of flexing or swaying.
You should also think about the long-term durability of double-strollers. The more expensive strollers are constructed better and come with more seating configuration options, so they will last longer than their budget-friendly counterparts. The joovy Qool double bundle is one example. It can accept car seat adapters for two infant carseats and can accommodate a second passenger via an attachable bassinet. This model is perfect for twins, children of different ages or siblings with gaps between them.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a good alternative for parents with a limited budget because it can be converted into a tandem stroller (single file) and can accommodate two infant car seat. It's light and compact, making it simple to maneuver even with the additional weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly alternative. It's comparable to models that have won awards, but are more expensive and offers multiple seating configurations. Its side-by-side seat design allows for twins or children 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 folded easily and has a small footprint, making it easy to fit into the trunk. The stroller is not designed to be used until children are able to sit without assistance, so infants older than that will require assistance or seated in a car seat.
Convenience
Seamlessly transferring your infant car seat from the car into the stroller can make family outings more enjoyable and less stressful. You can click the seat in place and move the stroller without folding it while holding a baby or a toddler. This is a fantastic option for long journeys, especially when you don't want to unbuckle and buckle your child every couple of minutes.
Many parents with twins choose a travel system which can accommodate two infants in a car seat simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this functionality, and also comes with an adjustable bench seat that can be used by older siblings. It's not compatible with all infant car seats and may be a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents choose a double-stroller equipped with an adapter for car seats that is integrated that works with the majority of infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is a great option, and it comes in at a price that is very reasonable for what you get. While it's not the ideal double stroller for infant twins (it can only be used with one), it can work well for a wide range of families and is a great option for those looking for a one-and-done purchase.
Other double strollers come with a more complex method of attaching and disconnecting the car seat. For instance the UPPAbaby Vist double requires you to press down, and then hear a loud click for confirmation that it is properly secured. It's a bit more difficult to use in a parking lot particularly if your children are hungry or tired. And while it does grow with the family, we don't believe it's the most suitable option for parents of twins because you'll have to purchase a separate toddler seat when your kids are old enough to use it.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seats must be durable and built to last. It should also fit your budget and lifestyle, whether you intend to use it for just few years or more. When you are making a purchase, consider the fabric of the stroller and its components, such as its tires.
A stroller with a big and deep basket can accommodate plenty of diapers, groceries and other items. A large console for the parents with cup holders can be useful, as is a sun canopy which provides adequate coverage. Make sure your stroller can handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents with twins may want a side by side stroller to ensure equal access and visibility to both children. Others with children of different ages may choose a tandem stroller that allows the seat of the rear child to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers are bulkier than single strollers, and can cause siblings to fight, especially if they have seats that are different heights.
A stroller that has an adjustable handlebar allows you to adjust the height to your liking. Also, a one-hand folding mechanism is useful. Another feature to look out for is a compact footprint that fits easily in your trunk, and requires little storage space.
A stroller that is modular, such as the CYBEX Gazelle, offers unmatched flexibility. It is possible to mix and match the cots and seating units to accommodate twins, multiples or one child of various ages. The sturdy construction and versatility in seating arrangements make it a worthy investment if you are planning to keep it for a number of years to come.
Safety
A safe stroller is secure for the child in the seat, as well as for the parent pushing it. Alli Cavasino is a certified child-passenger safety technician, suggests you choose a stroller that has ergonomic handlebars, with simple-to-use breaks and an adjustable harness. She also suggests avoiding accessories that increase the weight of a stroller for children, like ride-on boards and additional child seats.
A double stroller should be sturdy enough to maneuver different surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to parks trails. It should be sturdy enough to traverse curbs and bumps with ease, but also flexible to navigate a steep slope or up and down stairways. Finally, it should be simple to fold and fit into a trunk without any compromise in dimensions or maneuverability.
Parents with twins or siblings close in age will need to think about a stroller that accommodates two infant car seats. This will give them the freedom to move sleeping children from the car to a stroller without disturbing them. Many of our top-scoring strollers work with two car seats for infants such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
The double joovy bundle is another option. It comes with two infant car seats as well as an add-on rumble chair that can be converted into a second one once your kids outgrow the car seat. It comes with stadium seating that has plenty of leg room and can be set up so that your children can face each other or the entire world. It's not able to accommodate two bassinets or an infant car seat or riding board at the same time, but it's a great value for families with multiple young children.