Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with infant car seat is essential for twins or two children who are close in age. When you're planning to buy a stroller, take into consideration your budget and the length of time you'll use it for.
Kate loved that the stroller was light and easy to maneuver. She also liked that it folds up easily, but 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 maneuver the stroller easily in crowded sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which means it should be fairly slim and compact. The stroller should also be compact and easy to fold to fit in a vehicle trunk or smaller vehicles.
Consider a double stroller that has two seats and can accommodate a car seat for an infant when you plan to have twins or children that are close in age. Double strollers are more expensive, but they have a longer life and can be used until the age of toddlers or beyond. For example, our top pick the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double comes with a wide variety of seating configurations and can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.
We also prefer strollers that work with a variety of infant car seat brands. This gives families a larger selection to pick from. For instance, the UPPAbaby Vista can accept the UPPAbaby Mesa and several other infant car seats using adapters. It also can be used with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for the third, standing person.
Some parents opt to purchase a stroller that is single-to-double and can be adjusted to accommodate the needs of a second child, but we recommend buying what you need at the time. The second child may arrive later than you expect, or your first kid may not take to walking. Moreover, the type of seating that you can find on a double stroller and baby car seats can have a major impact on siblings, particularly for children who are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers weigh more than single strollers. They have two seats as well as more cargo, which means the weight of the final push is higher. It's crucial to take into account this weight when deciding on your ideal model, particularly in the event that you'll use it for long jogs or walks. The most efficient models are engineered to handle the additional load with minimal shifting or swaying.
You should also think about the longevity of a double-stroller. The more expensive models have a quality build and seating configuration flexibility that suggests they'll last longer than less expensive models. The joovy double bundle is a good example. It accepts adapters to fit two infant car seats and can accommodate a third child via a bassinet which attaches. This is a great option for twins, children of different ages or siblings that have gaps between them.
Budget-conscious parents may consider the Baby Trend Double Snap-N-Go an attractive option, as it is compatible with two car seats for infants and can be converted into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's light and compact, making it easy to move around despite the additional weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly alternative. It's comparable to the more expensive award winners and offers a variety of seating configurations for kids with different ages and stage. The side-by-side seat design can be used to accommodate twins or children of different age groups. It can also be customized by adding accessories like twin bassinets or dual canopies. The stroller can be folded easily and has a tiny footprint, making it easy to fit into the trunk. The stroller is not meant to be used until children are able sit up without assistance, so infants younger than that require assistance or put in a car seat.
Convenience
It is more convenient and less stressful take your family on a trip if you transfer your infant car seat effortlessly from the vehicle to the stroller. Rather than attempting to fold a stroller while keeping one hand on the infant and the other on a toddler, simply click the seat into position and then begin moving. This is a fantastic option for long trips, when you don't want to have to unbuckle and buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents with twins opt for a travel system that can accommodate two infants in the car seat simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, has this functionality and has the added benefit of a bench seat for older siblings. It is not compatible with all infant car seats and may be quite heavy for some families.
Other parents prefer double strollers with a built-in car seat adapter that can be used with all major infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a great value for the features it provides. It's not the best double-stroller for twin infants since it works with one. However it's an excellent choice for many families.
best twin stroller require a more complicated process to attach and detach the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double for instance, requires that you push down, and then hear a loud click to know it's securely secured. It's a little more challenging to use in a parking lot, especially if your kids are hungry or tired. While it can grow with your family, we don't think it's the most suitable option for parents of twins as you'll need an additional toddler seat when your children are old enough for it.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat must be built to last and have longevity. It must also be suitable for your budget and lifestyle whether you plan to use it for only few years or more. Consider the quality of the stroller's fabric and the components, including the tires, when making your purchase.
A stroller with a big and deep basket can accommodate plenty of diapers, food items, and other supplies. A large console for the parents and cup holders are also helpful as is a sun canopy that gives plenty of coverage. Make sure that the stroller is able to handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may choose a side-by-side stroller for the same level of visibility and accessibility to both children. However, those with children of different ages might prefer a tandem model that allows the rear child to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers weigh more than single strollers and could cause siblings to fight, especially if they have seats at different heights.
A stroller that has an adjustable handlebar allows you to adjust the height to suit your preferences. Also having a one-hand folding mechanism is convenient. Another thing to look for is a compact footprint that fits easily in your trunk and requires only a small amount of storage space.
A modular stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unbeatable flexibility that lets you mix and match seating options and cot attachments for twins, multiples, 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 time.
Safety
A great stroller should be safe for both children in the seats as well as the parent pushing them. Alli Cavasino is a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests you choose a stroller that has ergonomic handlebars with easy-to-use breaks and a movable harness. She also suggests avoiding accessories that add to the weight of the stroller, like ride-on boards or extra child seats.
A double stroller needs to be sturdy enough to handle various surfaces, from suburban sidewalks and parks trails to roads that are paved. It should be strong enough to withstand curbs and bumps with ease, but also flexible to navigate a steep slope or climbing and descending 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 close in age will want to consider a stroller that can fit two infant car seats. This will allow them to have the freedom to move sleeping kids from the car into the stroller without disturbing them. Many of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with a two infant car seats, such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista v2 Double.
Another option is the joovy qool double bundle, which works with two infant car seats (car seat adapters are sold separately) and includes an additional rumble seat that transforms into a second one when your kids outgrow their car seat. It features a stadium-style seating arrangement with ample space for legs and can be configured to allow your children to meet each other and the world. It is not able to accommodate two bassinets as well as an infant car seat, and a riding board at the exact same time. However, it is a great choice for families with a lot of young children.