Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat is essential for twins or two kids of close age. If you're thinking of purchasing a stroller, take into consideration your budget as well as the length of time you'll use it for.
Kate says she likes the stroller's lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked the fact that it folds up easily, but she did find the buckles magnetic difficult to fasten.
Size
Size is an important aspect to take into consideration when selecting a double stroller with car seats for your baby. The stroller should be small and slim enough parents can effortlessly maneuver it on busy sidewalks or through the narrow subway gates. In addition, the stroller should be easy to fold and small enough to fit into the trunk of a car or a smaller vehicle for storage.
Consider a double stroller which includes two seats and can accommodate infant car seat in the event that you plan to have twins or children that are close in age. These double strollers cost more, however, they last longer and can be used until the age of toddlers or beyond. For instance our top pick is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double comes with a variety of seating options and can accept two infant car seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also like strollers that are compatible with different infant car seats, as this offers an array of models for families to choose from. For instance the UPPAbaby Vista can work with the UPPAbaby Mesa and several other infant car seats that have adapters, and also is compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.
Many parents buy a single to double stroller , which can be adapted to accommodate another child. We recommend buying what you need right now. A second child could arrive later than you expected or your primary child may not take to walking. Moreover, the type of seating in a double stroller and baby car seats can affect siblings, particularly for children who are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are heavier than single strollers. Double strollers come with two seats, and carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller is therefore heavier. It is important to consider this weight when you're deciding on the best model, particularly in the event that you'll use it for long jogs or walks. The best models are well-engineered to withstand the extra weight with a minimum of shifting or swinging.
It's also worth considering the cost of a double stroller against its durability. The more expensive models have a quality build and seating configuration flexibility, which means they'll last longer than less expensive rivals. The double bundle from Joovy is one example. It has adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a secondary child via a bassinet which attaches. This is a great option for twins, children of different ages, or siblings that have a gap between them.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a great alternative for parents with a limited budget because it can be converted to a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two infant car seat. It's light and compact, making it easy to maneuver despite the additional weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly option. It's similar to models that have won awards, but are more expensive and offer different seating configurations. Its side-by-side seat design allows for twins or children of varying ages, and it can be customized by adding add-ons like dual canopies twin bassinets, or modified seats that double as toddler seats. This stroller can be used for multiple purposes. It also has a quick fold and a small footprint, making it easier to be tucked away in the trunk. It's not designed to be used until kids can sit up unassisted, however, so younger babies will need to be carried or put in a car seat.
Convenience
It is easy to transfer your infant car seat from the car to the stroller can make family trips 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 in place and begin moving. This is a great convenience for long journeys, especially when you don't want to unbuckle and return your child to the seat every few minutes.
Many parents with twins opt for a travel system that can accommodate two infant car seats at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this feature, and comes with a bench seat that can be used by older siblings. It is not compatible with all infant car seats, and can be a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents prefer a double stroller with an integrated car seat adapter that works with all major infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a great value for the features it has. It's not the best double-stroller for twins since it works with one. However it's an excellent choice for many families.
Some double strollers feature a more complex process for attaching and detaching the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double for instance, requires you to push down and then hear a loud click to ensure it's secured properly. It's a little more difficult to use in parking areas especially when you have hungry or tired children. As it grows with your family, we don't think it’s the best choice for parents of twins. You'll need to purchase a separate toddler chair when your children reach an age.
Durability
A double stroller with infant car seats must be built to last. It should also be a good fit for your budget and lifestyle whether you plan to use it for just a few years or many more. When you are making a purchase take into consideration the fabric of the stroller and its components, including its tires.
Look for a stroller with large and deep storage basket that will accommodate plenty of diapers, food items and other items. A large parent console with cup holders is also useful, as well as a sun canopy which provides adequate coverage. Make sure that the stroller is able to handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins might prefer a stroller that is side-by-side for the same level of visibility and accessibility to both children. However, others with kids of different ages might choose a tandem style 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 with a handlebar that is adjustable can allow you to adjust it to the appropriate height for your needs, and the one-hand fold mechanism is a useful feature. Another feature to look for is a compact footprint that fits comfortably in your trunk and requires minimal storage space.
A modular stroller, like the CYBEX Gazelle is a model that offers unbeatable flexibility. It is possible to mix and combine the cots and seating units to accommodate twins, multiples 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 if you're planning to keep it for a long period of time.
Safety
A great stroller should be safe for children who are in the seat as well as the parent who pushes them. Alli Cavasino is a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests you look for a stroller with ergonomic handlebars that are easy to use breaks and a movable harness. She also suggests avoiding accessories that increase the weight of a stroller, such as ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller should be sturdy enough to navigate various surfaces with ease including suburban sidewalks and parks trails. It should be robust enough to move over bumps and curbs with ease and also able to be adapted to navigate a steep slope or a staircase that goes up and down. It should also be able to fold up and fit into the trunk of a car without any compromise in size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or siblings who are similar in age might be interested in a double stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants. This will give them the freedom to move sleeping kids from the car into the stroller without disturbing them. A majority 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.
The double joovy bundle is another alternative. It comes with two infant car seats and an add-on rumble chair that can be transformed into a second seat when your children outgrow the car seat. It offers stadium-style seating with plenty of space for legs and can be configured to let your kids face each other or the world. It's not able for two bassinets or an infant car seat and riding board simultaneously, but it's a great option for families with several young children.