Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat can be a necessity for twins or children of similar ages. If you are planning to purchase one, it's important to take into consideration your budget and how long you plan to use the stroller.
Kate says she likes the stroller's lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also appreciated how easily it folded, however she found the buckles with magnetic buckles difficult to fasten.
Size
Size is an important aspect to take into consideration when selecting a double stroller that includes car seats for your baby. Parents must be able maneuver the stroller easily in the midst of crowded sidewalks and narrow subway gates, which means that it should be fairly compact and slim. The stroller must also be compact and easy to fold so that it can fit into the trunk of a small vehicle.
If you plan on having twins or children who are close in age, think about purchasing a double stroller with two seats that can fit infant car seats. These double strollers are more expensive, however, they last longer and can be used up to the age of toddler or even beyond. Our top choice is the UPPAbaby V2 Double, offers a range of seating options. 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, as this offers an array of models for families to choose from. For example, the UPPAbaby Vista can accept the UPPAbaby Mesa and several other infant car seats with adapters, and it is compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for the third, standing person.
Some parents choose to buy a single-to-double stroller which can be adapted to the needs of a second child, but we recommend purchasing what you need at the right time. You might have a second child arrive later than you expected, or your first child might not be in a position to walk. Moreover, the type of seating in a double stroller with infant car seat can affect siblings, particularly for kids that are very close in age.
Weight
Double strollers weigh more than single strollers. Double strollers come with two seats and carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller will be heavier. This is an important factor to consider when choosing the best model, especially when you intend to use it for long walks or running. The best models will be able to handle the extra weight without shifting and swinging.
It is also important to consider the long-term durability of a double-stroller. The higher-end models offer a quality build and seating configuration flexibility, which means they'll last longer than less expensive competitors. The joovy double bundle is a good example. It accepts adapters to fit two infant car seats and can accommodate a third passenger via a bassinet that attaches. This arrangement is suitable for twins, children with different ages, or siblings that have an age gap.
Budget-conscious parents may consider the Baby Trend Double Snap N-Go an attractive option, as it accepts two car seats for infants and can convert into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's light and compact and 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 supports multiple seating options for children with different ages and stage. 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, twin bassinets or altered seats that act 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. It's not intended for use until kids can sit up without assistance, so younger babies will need to be carried or positioned 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. Rather than attempting to fold the stroller while keeping one hand on the infant and the other on a toddler, you can simply click the seat into place and start moving. This is particularly useful during long trips, where you don't want to unbuckle and re-buckle your child every few minutes.
Parents with twins typically prefer a travel system that will accommodate two infant car seats at the same time. 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.
Other parents 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 has. Although it's not the most ideal double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it can only be used with one) It can work well for many families and is an excellent choice if you're hoping to make a purchase that is a one-and-done deal.
Other double strollers have a more complex procedure to attach and remove the car seat. For example the UPPAbaby vist v2 double requires you to push down, and then hear a loud click for confirmation that it's securely secured. It's a bit more difficult to use in a parking lot 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 a separate toddler chair when your children reach an age.
Durability
A double stroller with infant car seat needs to be built to last. It should also suit your budget and lifestyle whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or a number of years. When purchasing a stroller take into consideration the fabric of the stroller and its components, like its tires.
A stroller with a big and deep basket can hold plenty of diapers, groceries, and other supplies. A large parent console with cup holders is useful, as is an umbrella sunshade that offers adequate coverage. Make sure the stroller can handle off-road terrain, as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may prefer a side-by-side stroller to allow equal access and visibility to both children. Others with children of different ages might opt for a tandem stroller that allows the rear child's seat to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers are generally heavier than single strollers, however, and they can cause sibling rivalries when the seats are set at different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar can help you adjust it to the right height for you and the one-hand fold mechanism is an excellent feature. A compact footprint is a further feature to consider. It should fit easily in your trunk, and will require a small amount of storage space.
A stroller that is modular like the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unparalleled flexibility and allows you to mix and match seating options and cot attachments for multiples, twins, or a single rider of varying ages. Its sturdy construction and seating configuration versatility indicate that this high-end model is worth the investment when you plan to keep it for a long period of time.
Safety
A quality stroller must be safe for the children who are in the seat as well as the parent pushing them. Alli Cavasino is a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests that you choose a stroller with ergonomic handlebars with easy-to-use breaks and a harness that can be adjusted. She also suggests avoiding accessories that add to the burden of a stroller like ride-on boards, or extra child seats.
A double stroller should be strong enough to withstand a variety surfaces, from suburban sidewalks and parks trails to roads that are paved. It should be robust enough to withstand curbs and bumps easily and yet flexible enough to navigate a steep slope or up and down stairways. It should also be able to fold up and squeeze into the trunk of a car, without compromising its size or maneuverability.
Parents with twins or siblings who are close in age might need to think about a stroller that can fit two infant car seats. This allows them to move asleep children from the car to the stroller without having them wake up. Many of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with two infant car seats like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
The double joovy bundle is another alternative. It comes with two infant car seats as well as an additional rumble chair that can be converted into a second one once your children are no longer in the car seat. It features stadium seating with plenty of legroom and can be configured so that your children can face each other or the entire world. It is not able to accommodate two bassinets as well as an infant car seat, or riding boards at the exact same time. However, it is a great option for families with a lot of young children.