Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat may be a necessity if you have twins or kids with similar age. When you're planning to buy a stroller, you should consider 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 how easily it folded, however she found the magnetic buckles difficult to secure.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when choosing a double stroller that comes with a car seat for your infant. The stroller should be compact and slim so that parents are able to easily maneuver it through crowded sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. In addition the stroller should be simple to fold and compact enough to fit in the trunk of a car or a smaller vehicle to store.
Consider a double stroller which has two seats and can accommodate a car seat for infants 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 toddlerhood or beyond. For instance our top pick is the UPPAbaby Vista Double has a wide range of seating configurations and can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also like strollers that work with many different infant car seats and offers more strollers for families to pick from. For example, the UPPAbaby Vista can accept the UPPAbaby Mesa as well as other infant car seats that have adapters, and also works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.
Pushchairs And Prams buy a double or single stroller that can be modified to accommodate an additional child. We recommend buying what you need right now. There is a chance that a second child arrive later than you anticipated, or your first child may not be in a position to walk. Moreover, the type of seating that you can find on a double stroller with infant car seats can affect siblings' relationships, especially for kids that are very close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single strollers. They have two seats and more cargo, which means the final pushing weight is higher. This is a factor to take into consideration when selecting your preferred model, particularly when you intend to use it for long walks and running. The best models will be able to handle the extra weight with minimal movement and swinging.
It's also worth weighing the price of a double stroller against its durability. The higher-end strollers are built better and come with more seating configuration options and will last longer than their less expensive counterparts. The joovy double bundle is a good example. It accepts adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a third rider via a bassinet that attaches. This model is perfect for twins, children of different ages or siblings with a gap between them.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is an excellent alternative for parents on a tight budget, as it can be converted into a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two infant car seats. It's lightweight and compact, making it easy to maneuver, despite the extra weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly alternative. It's similar to award-winning models which are more expensive and offer multiple seating configurations. Its side-by-side seat design can be used to accommodate twins or children of various age groups. It can also be customized with additional features like dual canopies or twin bassinets. This stroller is also easy to fold and has a small footprint, making it easier to fit into the trunk. It's not intended to be used until children can sit up unassisted, however the younger ones will require a carry or positioned in a car seat.
Convenience
It is easier and less stressful to take your family on a vacation by transferring your infant's car seat easily from the vehicle to the stroller. Instead of trying to fold a stroller while keeping one hand on the infant and the other on a toddler, you can just click the seat into position and begin moving. This is a fantastic option for long trips, when you don't want to have to unbuckle and then rebuckle your child every couple of minutes.
Many parents with twins choose a travel system which can accommodate two infants in the car seats at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this functionality, and also includes an adjustable bench seat that can be used by older siblings. It's not compatible with all infant car seats, and can be somewhat heavy for certain families.
Other parents prefer double strollers with an integrated car seat adapter that works with all major infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is a great option and is available at a reasonable price for what you get. Although it's not the most ideal double stroller for infant twins (it only works with one) it works well for many families and is a good option if you're looking to make a purchase that is a one-and-done deal.
Other double strollers have an even more complicated process for attaching and disconnecting the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist Double is one example. It 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 particularly when you have hungry or tired children. And while it does grow with the family, we don't believe it's the best choice for parents of twins as you'll have to purchase a separate toddler seat when your children are old enough for it.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat should be built to last and have durability. It should also be suited to your budget and lifestyle, whether you intend to use the stroller for a few or many years. Take into consideration the quality of the stroller's fabric and its components, including its tires, when making your purchase.
Find a stroller that has a large and deep storage basket that will accommodate plenty of groceries, diapers and other necessities. A large console for the parents and cup holders are also helpful as is an umbrella sunshade that offers ample coverage. Make sure that the stroller is able to handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents with twins may want a side by side stroller to provide equal access and visibility to both children. Others with children of different ages could choose a tandem stroller that allows the rear child's seat to be adjusted by raising or lowering it. Tandem strollers are heavier than single strollers and could cause siblings to fight, especially if they have seats at different heights.
A stroller equipped with an adjustable handlebar will help you adjust it to the right height for your needs and a 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 require minimal storage space.
A stroller that is modular like the CYBEX Gazelle S offers unparalleled flexibility and allows you to mix and match seating units as well as cot attachments for multiples, twins or one rider of different age. Its robust construction and seating configuration versatility make it clear that this top-of-the-line model is worth the investment should you intend to keep it for a long period of time.
Safety
A good stroller should be safe for both children who are in the seat as well as the parent pushing them. Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests you select a stroller that has ergonomic handlebars with easy-to-use breaks and a harness that can be adjusted. She also recommends avoiding accessories that increase the weight of the stroller, like ride-on boards or extra child seats.
A double stroller must be sturdy enough to maneuver a variety of surfaces smoothly from suburban sidewalks to parks trails. It should be strong enough to traverse curbs and bumps with ease, but also flexible to maneuver over a steep incline or up and down stairways. It should also be easy to fold up and squeeze into the trunk of a car, without restricting its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or other siblings who are similar in age may think about a double stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats. This allows them to transfer sleeping children from the car to the stroller without having them wake up. A majority of our top-scoring strollers can be used with two car seats for infants like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
Another option is the joovy qool double bundle, which can be used with two infant car seats (car seat adapters are sold separately) and comes with an extra rumble seat that converts into a second one when your children outgrow their car seat. It comes with stadium seating that has plenty of legroom and can be set up so that your children can face each other or the entire world. It can't accept two bassinets or an infant car seat or riding board simultaneously however it's a great value for families with multiple young children.