Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat may be essential if you have twins or kids of similar ages. If you plan to buy one, you must think about your budget and how long you hope to use the stroller for.
Kate liked that the stroller was lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked the fact that it folds up easily, but she did find the buckles magnetic hard to fasten.
Size
When choosing a double stroller and infant car seats size is an important aspect to consider. The stroller should be compact and slim enough that parents are able to effortlessly maneuver it on busy sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. The stroller should also be compact and easy to fold so that it can be tucked away into the trunk of a smaller vehicles.
Think about a double stroller that has two seats and is able to accommodate a car seat for infants in the event that you plan to have twins or children who are close in age. These types of strollers are more expensive than other double strollers, but they have a longer stroller life and can be used until toddlerhood or even beyond. For instance our top choice is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double comes with a variety of seating configurations and can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.
We also love strollers that can be used with different infant car seat brands which means that there is more models for families to choose from. The UPPAbaby Vista, for instance, can accept the UPPAbaby mesha and other infant car seats with adapters. It also works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third person standing.
Some parents opt to purchase a stroller that is single-to-double and can be adapted to the needs of a second child, but we suggest buying what you need at the moment. The second child may arrive later than you expected or your primary child might not be a fan of walking. Additionally, the type of seating on a double stroller with baby car seats can make or break siblings' relationships, especially for children who are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are generally heavier than single strollers. They have two seats as well as more cargo, which means the final pushing weight is higher. This weight is important to consider when deciding on your preferred model, particularly in case you intend to use it for long walks and jogs. The most efficient models are engineered to handle the additional load with minimal movement or swaying.
You should also consider the durability of a double-stroller. The more expensive models have a quality build and seating configuration flexibility that suggests they'll last longer than budget-friendly models. The joovy qool double-bundle is a good example. It accepts car seat adapters for two infant carseats and can accommodate a second child through an attachable bassinet. This setup is suitable for twins, kids of different ages, or siblings that have a gap in age.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a great alternative for parents on a budget, as it can be converted into a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two infant car seat. It's light and compact making it easy to maneuver even with the additional weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly alternative. It's similar to award-winning models which are more expensive and offers various seating options. Its side-by-side seat design is able to accommodate twins or children with different ages. It can also be customized by adding add ons such as twin bassinets with dual canopies. The stroller is also easy to fold and has a compact footprint, making it easier to fit into the trunk. The stroller isn't designed to be used until children are able sit up without assistance, so children younger than that will 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 trips simpler and less stressful. You can easily click the seat into place and move the stroller without having to fold it while holding a baby and a toddler. This is particularly useful during long trips, in which you do not want to unbuckle and buckle your child every few minutes.
Parents with twins often prefer a travel system that can accommodate two infant car seats at once. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, has this capability and comes with the added benefit of having a bench seat for older siblings. It's not compatible with all infant car seats, and can be somewhat heavy for certain families.
Some parents prefer double strollers with an integrated car seat adapter that is compatible with the majority of infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a fantastic value for the features it has. It's not the best double-stroller for twins, as it only works with one. However, it's a good choice for many families.
Other double strollers come with a more complex process for attaching and detaching the car seat. For example, the UPPAbaby vist double requires you to push 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 tired or hungry. As it grows with your family, we don’t think it's the best choice for parents of twins. You'll need purchase an additional toddler chair once your children reach an age.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat needs to be sturdy and built for durability. It should also fit your lifestyle and budget whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or several years. When making a purchase take into consideration the fabric of the stroller as well as its components, including its tires.
A stroller with a big and deep basket can hold plenty of diapers, groceries, and other items. A large console for the parents with cup holders is also 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 stroller that is side-by-side for the same level of visibility and accessibility to both children. However, those with children with different ages may prefer a tandem style that allows the rear child to be raised or lowered. Tandem strollers are typically larger than single strollers however, and they can cause sibling rivalries in the event that the seats are different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar will allow you to adjust the height to suit your needs. Also having a one-hand folding mechanism is useful. A compact footprint is another feature to think about. It should fit easily into your trunk and will require only a little storage space.
A stroller that is modular like the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unbeatable flexibility, allowing you to mix and match seating units and cot attachments for multiples, twins or one rider of different age. The sturdy construction and versatility in seating configurations make it a great investment if you are planning to keep it for a number of years.
Safety
A good stroller is safe for the child sitting in the seat and for the parent pushing it. Alli Cavasino is a certified child-passenger safety technician, suggests that you look for a stroller that has ergonomic handlebars, with simple-to-use breaks and a harness that can be adjusted. She also advises avoiding any 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 handle various surfaces including suburban sidewalks and park trails to paved roads. It should be strong enough to handle bumps and curbs easily but also flexible enough to scale steep steps or negotiate steep slopes. Finally it should be easy to fold and fit into a car trunk without sacrificing its size or mobility.
Parents with twins or siblings close in age will be looking at a stroller that can fit two car seats for infants. This will give them the flexibility to move sleeping kids from the car into the stroller without disturbing them. Many of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with two infant car seat, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista V2 Double.
The joovy double bundle is another option. It includes two infant car seats and an additional rumble chair which can be turned into a second seat once your children are no longer in the car seat. It comes with stadium seating that has plenty of legroom and can be configured so that your kids face eachother or the world. It can't accommodate two bassinets as well as an infant car seat, or a riding board simultaneously. It is a great option for families with multiple young children.